MOHAN Foundation organized a community event at Vayalnallur, Poonamalee on March 14, 2025. The event was conducted in association with the Department of Community Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) Chennai.

It was conducted to commemorate International Women’s Day and World Kidney Day at the Rural Health Centre run by the SRIHER Medical College. Events for the day were:

1. A Rangoli Competition with the theme of அழியாத கோலங்கள் (Unerasable 'Kolams'/Rangoli)

2. A poster competition for students of Standard 8 of the Panchayat Union Middle School students, Vayalanallur.

3. An awareness talk on organ donation for the community gathered in the Health Centre

In addition staff of the Health Centre created and sang a song in Tamil  promoting the cause of Organ Donation.

The theme of the Rangoli competition was organ donation and it was named அழியாத கோலங்கள் (Unerasable 'Kolams'/Rangoli) with reference to how donated organs can continue living even after the donor’s demise.  

Twenty teams participated, including patients, caregivers, and SRIHER students studying nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, and other fields. Teams of two participants used traditional powders and other materials to construct rangolis.

The designs were judged on their connection to the theme, use of colour, neatness and presentation of the teams. Dr. Mahalakshmi Sivaraman, MBBS, Ms. Yamini M (Community Education Executive MOHAN Foundation), and Ms. Chitra (Rangoli artist) served as judges.

The floor area outside the health center was decorated with colorful, vibrant, and lovely Rangolis. The Rangoli artist participated and made her own Rangoli specifically for the event, and all of the Rangolis conveyed the message of saving lives. The community effectively and aesthetically communicated the importance of donating blood, eyes, and organs.

Three best designs  in Rangoli from the student and patient category were awarded.

The winners were

Patient category

Mr. Karthic. C and Mr. Sabari;

Ms. Kanthi and Ms. Janaki;

Ms. Priyanka

Student category

Dr. Roshni and Dr. Sankar;

Ms. Sathya and Ms. Ranjani;

Ms. Aarthi; and Ms. Deekshika.

The posters made by Panchayat Union Middle School students, Vayalanallur.

were judged by Dr. Mahalakshmi Sivaraman, Mr Hariharan (Kidney Recipient) and Ms Arshiya Fathima (Community Education Executive MOHAN Foundation). The 4 best designs were awarded. Two school teachers brought the students to the venue for the prize distribution.

Students who won prizes were:

Lohith

Giridharani

Thirumavalavan.G

Maghisha. R

Award ceremony:

At the end of the completion the Health Centre was the venue for an award ceremony.  More than 100 people gathered for the function. MOHAN Foundation staff distributed information brochures on Organ Donation to the community. It  started with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by all the digntaries.

The chief guest for the occasion was Dr. Mahalakshmi Sivaraman, and Mr. Hariharan, a kidney recipient from Chennai

Dr Mahalakshmi spoke of the importance of Women Day and how the health of women is of prime importance to the health of the family. She also thanked the Rural Heath Centre for celebrating two important days and taking the concepts to the community.

Mr Hariharan, a kidney recipient, spoke of his experience as a child patient with kidney failure. He told in a very gentle way how he lost his friends in school, because he no longer could attend school due to the dialysis. He then spoke of his decision to study from home, completing his schooling, college and he continues to study towards a PhD in English. He said that the disease of Organ Failure can be recovered through a transplant which he got from his father.  He said that the greatest trauma is not knowing the consequences of an organ failure and its treatment. He wants to support other patients with organ failure through counselling and providing correct information to them.

Students of dentistry did a skit on healthy oral habits for the audience. They spoke of importance of periodic checkups to avoid larger dental issues.

The health center staff performed a song they wrote about organ donation. The audience found it to be a poignant event.

Mrs Arshiya Fathima then introduced the concepts of organ donation. She spoke of the need to keep organ healthy, what organs cam be donated and how to pledge for donation. She spoke of brain death situation and the tests carried out two times for confirming the poor prognosis.  Giving the example of Mr. Hariharan, she said that a transplant can save lives and deceased donor can save multiple lives. Pointing out the information brochure she explained that they could call the toll free number 18001037100 to clarify any doubts.

The judges were honored by Dr Hemal Kanvinde, Quality Assurance Officer MOHAN Foundation.  Prizes were given away by the Judges to all the winners in both competitions. Special gifts were given to staff of the Health Centre for their commitment to society. All participants in the Rangoli Competition were given a special gift and all students were given a participation certificate.

The Award function ended with a vote of thanks and National Anthem.

MOHAN Foundation is grateful to the Department of Community Medicine, SHRIHER,  Dr Samaya  and staff of the Rural Health Centre and Ms Jyothi of the Nursing College of SRIHER for their support to conduct this event.