Organ Donation Awareness at St. Joseph’s College of Arts and Science, Chennai

On August 13^th 2019, on the occasion of Organ Donation Day, MOHAN Foundation was invited by Mr. A. Arokya Raj, HOD, Department of Social Work, St. Joseph’s College of Arts and Science to deliver an awareness talk. Dr. Hemal Kanvinde, Quality Assurance Officer, MOHAN Foundation was invited as the Chief Guest and was honoured by Dr. R. Dhanapal, Principal & Dr. K. Sandiya, Administrator of St. Joseph’s College of Arts and Science. Welcome address was delivered by K. Emmanuel, Coordinator of Counseling Cell. Mr. Arokia Raj then introduced Dr. Hemal and a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed between MOHAN Foundation and St. Joseph’s College to promote organ donation during the upcoming three years.

The programme started by 9.30 am and over 200 students were present. Dr. Hemal briefly introduced MOHAN Foundation, its activities and explained elaborately about organ and tissue donation.

Mr. Siva Shankar, assisted by Ms. Juhija explained the Transplantation Law of India, including the offenses and penalties related to malpractices in organ donation.

He elaborately spoke on the following topics as well:

Who can donate their organs?
When can the organs be donated?
What is living donation?
What is natural death and brain death?
What is brain death and coma?
Is there an age limit attached to organ donation?
What is the time limit for organ retrieval?
How to register as an organ donor?
What are the myths and facts related to organ donation?

There was active participation from the students and a few questions asked by them were:

Can cancer patients donate their organs?
Can brain transplantation happen?

Mr. Siva Shankar responded to the queries. The NSS students of the college showcased a brilliant mime on the theme of organ donation as well. The programme came to a close at 11:00 am and the vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Chitra, HOD, HCM (Hotel & Catering Management). MOHAN Foundation is thankful to St. Joseph’s College of Arts & Science for the invitation and promise to promote organ donation in the future.