On December 17, 2024, MOHAN Foundation conducted an organ donation awareness session at Government Girls Inter College, Rishikesh, in collaboration with the Rotary Club Rishikesh Divas. The session was organized at the invitation of Ms. Tanu Jain, President of the Rotary Club Rishikesh Divas, and was attended by Dr. Subhangi Raina, Secretary of the Rotary Club.

Mr. Sanchit Arora, Project Leader at MOHAN Foundation stationed at AIIMS Rishikesh, served as the speaker for the session, which was attended by the students and staff of Government Girls Inter College.

The session began with Mr. Arora inviting participants to share their knowledge about organ donation. He then provided a detailed overview of the current status of organ donation in India, using a PowerPoint presentation that covered various topics, including:

• What organ donation is and why it is important

• Who can be an organ donor

• The difference between live and deceased donors

• Organs that can be donated during life and after death

• Brain death and the distinction between coma and brain death

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

• The Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act, 1994

• Whole-body donation

• Living kidney transplantation facilities at AIIMS Rishikesh

• Myths and facts about organ donation

• How individuals can contribute to this noble cause

• The goals and objectives of MOHAN Foundation and the Anudaan initiative

• MOHAN Foundation’s 24/7 helpline number

Mr. Arora emphasized the urgent need for more organ donors and encouraged participants to discuss organ donation with their families, friends, and colleagues.

The session was interactive, with participants eagerly engaging in discussions and asking numerous questions, such as:

• "We have heard that many people sell organs; is that legal in India?"

• "What is the age limit for organ donation?"

Ms. Jain highlighted that there is no greater gift than organ donation, encouraging everyone to pledge to donate blood while living and organs after passing.

At the end of the session, the staff applauded the work of the Foundation and the Rotary Club. They expressed their intention to speak with their families and pledge to organ donation. Approximately 150 participants attended the session.