SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPPA

On 3^rd November 2013, an awareness talk on organ donation was organized for the Lord Ayyappa pilgrims at Alappuzha. Some Ayyappa devotees joined together and took an initiative to organize this programme and these devotees invited Mrithasnjeevani (Deceased Donor Organ Transplantation programme), Kerala to talk on organ donation. The programme was held at Krishnapuram kottamal mutharamman temple ground.

The event was inaugurated by Brahma Sree P. N. Narayanan Naboothiri, Chief Priest, Sabarimala. In his talk he spoke about religious myths on organ donation. Followed by Mr. Aswanidevu, Guruswamy, Gurupeedam procession, Dr. Jose Joseph, Chairman, J J Hospital, Krishnapuram and Mr. Babukuttan, Circle Inspector, Vigilance, Ernakulam division addressed the gathering.

Mr. Aneesh P V, Transplant Coordinator, MOHAN Foundation deputed Kerala conducted the session on Deceased Donor Organ Transplantation programme. The main topics discussed on during the talk were:  Activities of Mrithasanjeevani, Deceased donation in Kerala, Importance of organ donation, difference between coma and brain stem death, importance of donor card, THO Act 1994, KNOS website and procedures involved in registration for deceased organ transplantation.

Around 200 devotees participated in this programme. The programme organizers had collected 180 ‘willing to donate’ forms from the pilgrims and these forms were handed over to Mr. Aneesh P. V. The programme ended with vote of thanks delivered by S. Murukan, Guruswamy, Thathwamasy procession.