On July 31, 2024, the MOHAN Foundation conducted a virtual session to raise awareness about organ donation among employees of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). Participants from the four regional offices in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai attended this enlightening session, which was organized by the Dr. Reddy Foundation for Health Education (DRFHE) for their corporate social responsibility (CSR) partners. It was the final session of their week-long initiative, “Awareness for Life.” Ms. Sanya Santosh, Programme Officer at MOHAN Foundation, NCR, led the session as the resource person.

Ms. Sanya Santosh was welcomed by Mr. Tadigiri Kiran Kumar, Awareness for Life (AFL) Partner, DRFHE. The session began with Ms. Santosh introducing the work of the MOHAN Foundation. The audience was provided with an overview of the need for organ donation, who can donate, and what organs can be donated. She then provided detailed information on the current status of organ donation in India, covering the following topics:

• 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 Act, 1994, and Rules, 2014

• How individuals can contribute to this noble cause

• Organ donor card

• The pivotal role of the MOHAN Foundation in promoting organ donation

• The importance of individual and public involvement in raising awareness

• Dispelling common myths and sharing facts about organ donation

• MOHAN Foundation’s Anudaan Initiative & Helpline number

Ms. Santosh explained the significance of proactive discussions within families regarding organ donation. She also emphasized the importance of pledging to become an organ donor.

The session was interactive, with participants eagerly contributing to the discussion and posing numerous questions. One key question addressed after the session was about the necessity of family consent for organ donation. Participants asked what happens if a donor is willing to donate organs, but family members are not. This query was thoroughly answered.

Ms. Santosh concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to proudly become organ donors and make a pledge. She expressed her gratitude to the organizers for initiating this vital discussion.

Approximately 100 participants attended the session.