On 26^th February 2020, the Physical Education Department of Queen Mary’s College celebrated their Valedictory Day and had requested the NGO Thaangum Vizhuthugal to organize events with a social purpose to commemorate the day. Ms. Abitha from Thaangum Vizhuthugal therefore invited MOHAN Foundation and the NGO ALERT to educate the students on organ donation and responding to medical emergencies respectively. More than 100 students studying in I, II and III year of B.Sc. Physical Education at the college were present on the occasion.

The event began with a rendering of the Tamil Thai Vazhuthu by a few students. The HOD of the PE Department Ms. Uma and Ms. Vasantha, Director – Physical Education, along with members of Thaangum Vizhuthugal welcomed Mrs. Usha Balasubramniam and Ms. Ishwarya of MOHAN Foundation and Mr. Dileep Raj, Secretary of ALERT.

Ms. Ishwarya spoke about organ failure, deceased and living donations, brain death and the process of donation, allocation and transplantation in her 30-minute talk. The students had questions about green corridor, contraindications to being an organ donor and wastage of retrieved of organs.

In the next segment, Mr. Dileep explained the importance of administering any form of first-aid and CPR without harming the victim. He highlighted that while many lives could be saved with appropriate first-aid, incorrect administration might also lead to death and disability of the victim. CPR administration was demonstrated to the students as well.

Following felicitation of the speakers and others, vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Abitha and
Ms. Vasantha. Certificates of participation issued by Thaangum Vizhuthukal were distributed to the students and group photos were clicked. The event ended with a rendition of the national anthem.

MOHAN Foundation is thankful to Mrs Usha and Thaangum Vizhuthukal for the opportunity.