On August 31, 2024, Mr. Gabriel Pereira, an organ donation ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation, in collaboration with St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, Goa, and IMA Goa State, organized a poster-making competition for the Arts, Science, Commerce, and Vocational sections to commemorate Indian Organ Donation Day.

Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Bhat, a former Biology teacher at St. Xavier's HSS, Mapusa, was the Chief Guest, and Dr. Amol Mahaldar, the Coordinator of the Organ Donation Cell at IMA Goa State, was the Guest of Honour. Special invitees included Mr. Jijo Philip, Store Manager, and Mr. Pradyumna Naik, Daily Manager of Decathlon Goa. During her address, Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Bhat mentioned that she had taught Dr. Amol, recalling how he was once a student like those present, and is now a practicing doctor at the prestigious Manipal Hospital.

There were 33 participants in the competition, with 12 declared winners. The winners received a bag from Decathlon along with an Achievement Certificate, while 21 participants were awarded Participation Certificates and a medal. The event was coordinated by the school's Extracurricular Committee, and approximately 80 students attended the felicitation ceremony.

Gabriel Pereira expressed his gratitude to the school authorities, including Principal Ms. Victoria de Souza, Vice Principal of the General Stream Fr. Agnelo Peter Fernandes, Vice Principal of the Vocational Stream Mr. Brian Duarte, and Manager Fr. Pedro da Gama, for allowing the MOHAN Foundation to host the event at the school. He also thanked Mr. Surya Kumar Phadte, Convenor of the Extracurricular Committee; Ms. Belinda Velho, Co-Convenor of the Extracurricular Committee; Ms. Christine D'Souza, Co-Convenor of the Extracurricular Committee; and Tr. Juvella Rebello for their assistance in organizing the competition.

The link to view the posters:

https://bit.ly/3MJAYD8