MOHAN Foundation, in association with Chennai Metro Rail Limited had organised a Visual Arts Competition – LIFE 2.0 on the theme of Organ Donation for students from various schools and colleges in Chennai. The competition, a first of its kind in Tamil Nadu, took place on 24^th November 2018, Saturday at the Vadapalani Metro Station from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Close to 200 participants creatively used various art forms like paintings, graphics and installations to promote the cause. 

Students in large numbers from Adarsh Group of Schools, DAV Group of Schools and Jaigopal Garodia School participated. Nurses, medical students and visual art students also participated in the competition.  Mr. Reji Joseph a prominent artist based in Chennai, Dr. G. R. Rajashree, Trauma Ward In-charge of Rajiv Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, Mr. Clinton Franswah, Art Teacher of American International School, Mr. Gowtham, Founder & Market Strategy Consultant, Brand That Social and Ms Sujatha Suriyamoorthi, MIS Manager – MOHAN Foundation were the judges. Winners were awarded cash prizes as well as many attractive gifts as rewards for their outstanding creativity. Shortlisted creations will soon be put up for display at various metro stations of the city in the upcoming weeks.  

MOHAN Foundation also set up an exhibition of paintings done by Iranian artists for the Nafas visual art festival. An award-winning exhibit titled ‘Life Before Ashes’ comprising human organs modeled using human ashes was also on display. Workshops on the art of upcycling by Ms Urusha Maher and postcard designing by Ms Divya Franswah were also organized for both students and parents. A few parents and Metro commuters also pledged their organs and received donor cards at the festival venue.

Mr. S. Pandiyan, PRO of Chennai Metro Rail Limited graced the occasion and distributed prizes along with the judges. Dr. Sunil Shroff, Managing Trustee and Dr. Sumana Navin, Course Director of MOHAN Foundation were also present at the event.
One of the event sponsors Mrs Jasbeer Kaur from Oriflame had put up a stall with health and beauty products and many parents lined up for tips. Another sponsor from Innerwheel Club of Madras Esplanade, Mrs Rakhee Maher was also present for the occasion.

MOHAN Foundation is grateful to CMRL for its support and looking forward to more such collaborations. The Foundation would also like to acknowledge the support of the following sponsors: Tata Trusts, SBI Foundation, SBI DHFI, Karur Vysya Bank, Oriflame, Inner Wheel Club, Comnet Business Solutions, Roaring Riders, Toni&Guy Essensuals and Kobe Sizzlers, in making the event a huge success.