On July 26, 2024, MOHAN Foundation conducted an organ donation awareness session at the CIPET – Centre for Skilling & Technical Support (CSTS), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, Dehradun. The session was organized at the invitation of Mr. Balbir, Technical Assistant at CIPET-CSTS and Member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Mr. Sanchit Arora, Project Leader at the MOHAN Foundation stationed at AIIMS Rishikesh, served as the session's speaker. The session was attended by the administrative and training staff of CIPET-CSTS, Dehradun.

Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) – Centre for Skilling & Technical Support (CSTS), Dehradun, established with the support of the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand, is located in the picturesque Doon Valley between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. The Centre aims to develop technically skilled manpower to meet industrial needs, promote entrepreneurship, and provide Technical Support Services (TSS) to the plastics and allied industries in Uttarakhand.

The session began with Mr. Arora inviting participants to share their knowledge about organ donation. He then provided detailed information on the current status of organ donation in India, covering the following topics:

• What is organ donation, and why is it important?

• Who can be an organ donor?

• Explanation of live and deceased donors

• Organ donation during life and after death

• Brain death

• Differences between coma and brain death

• Eye donation, skin donation, and steps required to preserve corneas after death

• Whole body donation

• Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act 1994

• Living kidney transplantation facility at AIIMS Rishikesh

• How individuals can contribute to this noble cause

• Organ donor card

• Myths and facts about organ donation

• Role of the MOHAN Foundation and helpline number

Participants shared their experiences, including one who mentioned that his uncle received a kidney donated by his aunt. Another participant shared that his mother had already pledged her corneas for donation after her death.

The session was highly interactive, with participants enthusiastically contributing to the discussion and asking numerous questions, such as:

• What is the allocation process of organs?

• Can corneas be donated after brain death?

• Is organ donation possible if a person died from a snake bite or poisoning?

After the session, the administrative and training staff of CIPET-CSTS, including Mr. Balbir, presented a memento to Mr. Arora in recognition of his outstanding efforts for the noble cause of organ donation and applauded the work of MOHAN Foundation in this field.

Approximately 55 participants attended the session.