On September 24, 2024, MOHAN Foundation conducted an organ donation awareness session at Shiv Temple, Dehradun, in collaboration with the Akhil Bhartiya Marwadi Mahila Sammelan. The session was organized at the invitation of Ms. Kavita Aggrawal, Chairperson of the Akhil Bhartiya Marwadi Mahila Sammelan, Dehradun. Mr. Sanchit Arora, Project Leader at MOHAN Foundation, based at AIIMS Rishikesh, was the speaker.

The session followed the recitation of the ‘Sundar Kand’ scripture. Drawing on this, Mr. Sanchit explained that in Hinduism, charity is a sacred and highly revered act. He highlighted that the ‘Sundar Kand’, one of the most significant chapters of the ‘Ramcharitmanas’ (Holy Book), illustrates the selfless service of Lord Hanuman to Lord Rama, symbolizing how organ donation reflects this same devotion to life.

Mr. Sanchit further elaborated on how the Vedas emphasize 'Nishkaam Karma' (selfless action) and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family), stressing humanity's duty to help one another. He referenced Hindu mythology, citing the symbolic example of Lord Ganesha’s head replacement by Lord Shiva, representing how life can be restored through organ donation. He also shared the story of Maharishi Dadhichi, who sacrificed his life and donated his bones to create the Vajra weapon for Lord Indra, one of the earliest examples of selfless body donation in Hinduism.

The session then covered key topics, including:

• What is organ donation and why it is important

• Who can be an organ donor

• Live vs. deceased donors

• Organ donation during life and after death

• Brain death vs. coma

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

• The Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994

• Whole body donation

• Living Kidney Transplantation facility at AIIMS Rishikesh

• MOHAN Foundation’s Anudaan initiative and crowd funding

• Myths and facts about organ donation

• How individuals can contribute to this cause

Mr. Sanchit emphasized the urgent need for organ donors, urging participants to discuss the matter with their families, friends, and colleagues. The session was highly interactive, with attendees actively participating and asking insightful questions such as:

• Can pledged organs be directed to a Hindu recipient?

• Is hand transplantation possible, and what is the procedure?

• Can someone who has had cataract surgery donate their eyes?

• Who should be contacted for eye donation in case of death at home?

• What is the process for whole body donation?

• Can any hospital handle organ allocation?

• Are donor relatives introduced to the recipients?

• Is organ selling legal in India?

Ms. Rama Goyal, President of Akhil Bhartiya Marwari Mahila Sammelan, Uttarakhand, shared that she had pledged for whole body donation with her family’s full consent.

The participants expressed their appreciation for MOHAN Foundation’s and Akhil Bhartiya Marwadi Mahila Sammelan’s efforts, and many committed to discussing organ donation with their families.

Approximately 70 participants attended the session.