On January 24, 2025, the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences at Vishveshvarya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, organized an informative session on organ and tissue donation in collaboration with the MOHAN Foundation. Dr. G. N. Nimbarte, Head of the Department, extended the invitation to the MOHAN Foundation with the aim of sensitizing students and staff about the critical importance of organ donation.

The session was led by Ms. Veena Wathore, Project Manager at the MOHAN Foundation, who introduced the organization as a not-for-profit NGO dedicated to raising awareness about organ donation. Ms. Wathore provided a comprehensive overview of the subject, explaining key concepts such as the distinction between circulatory death and brain death. She also elaborated on the various organs and tissues that can be donated under both natural death and brain death conditions, including corneas, skin, bones, heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

A significant portion of the session focused on advancements in medical practices, particularly the concept of Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD), which has expanded the possibilities of organ donation. Ms. Wathore also emphasized the positive impact of organ and tissue donation on recipients, sharing inspiring real-life success stories that demonstrated the life-transforming potential of this altruistic act. Additionally, the importance of green corridors—logistical routes designed to ensure the rapid transportation of organs—was discussed, highlighting the efficiency and urgency that modern organ transplantation requires.

Ms. Wathore devoted part of the session to debunking common myths surrounding deceased organ donation. She encouraged students and staff to engage in open discussions about organ donation with their families and stressed the significance of carrying a Donor Card. This card serves as a formal declaration of one’s wishes regarding donation, helping to ensure that an individual’s decision is communicated clearly and respected.

Nearly 40 students and staff attended the session, engaging actively throughout the presentation, reflecting a growing interest in understanding the critical issues surrounding organ donation. Their participation demonstrated a strong willingness to learn more about this life-saving cause.

The MOHAN Foundation expressed its sincere gratitude to VNIT for organizing this impactful session. The sensitization initiative proved to be an invaluable educational opportunity, equipping participants with essential knowledge on organ and tissue donation while motivating them to take proactive steps toward saving lives. The efforts of VNIT and the MOHAN Foundation in organizing such awareness sessions are highly commendable and play a crucial role in promoting organ donation awareness within the community.