On February 26, 2025, Mr. Gabriel Pereira, an Organ Donation Ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation, conducted an awareness session on organ donation for the staff of the Directorate of Higher Education in Porvorim, Goa.

The session was conducted in two batches, each attended by 50 to 60 staff members. Mr. Bhushan Savoikar, Director of Higher Education, Goa, welcomed Mr. Pereira with a bouquet.

Mr. Pereira began by engaging the staff with thought-provoking questions. He first asked whether organs could be donated if a person passed away at home. The majority of staff members answered affirmatively. He then clarified that while organ donation is not possible in cases of circulatory death at home, tissue donation—such as skin, eyes, and even whole-body donation—is still an option.

Following this interactive introduction, Mr. Pereira formally introduced himself and the MOHAN Foundation, highlighting the organization’s long-standing commitment to organ donation. He shared that his personal experience with transplantation inspired him to raise awareness in Goa. He emphasized that a simple “yes” to organ donation can save up to eight lives and improve the quality of life for over 50 people through tissue donation. He encouraged the staff to help spread this crucial message.

Using a PowerPoint presentation, he explained which organs can be donated after brain death and how the organ allocation process works.

To reinforce his message, he recommended watching Aye Zindagi, currently streaming on Zee5. The film is based on the true story of Vinay, a software engineer diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, and his emotional journey with grief counsellor Revathy Rajan. Her character is inspired by Lalitha Raghuram, the Country Director of the MOHAN Foundation, who, along with her family, made the courageous decision to donate her son’s organs after his passing.

Mr. Pereira expressed his gratitude to Mr. Bhushan Savoikar, Director of Higher Education; Mr. Ashank Desai, Incharge/Assistant Director (Training and Development); Ms. Neema Rane, Jr. Stenographer; and all the staff for facilitating the organ donation awareness talk.