On January 6th 2022, SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of  State Bank of India organized a webinar ‘FROM DUST TO LIFE’ – an awareness workshop on Organ Donation, for the staff members of the SBI’s Ahmedabad Circle. This workshop is part of Project Gift Hope, Gift Life – aimed at improving deceased organ donation in India, implemented by MOHAN Foundation and supported by SBI Foundation.

Ms. Jaya Jairam and Ms. Pallavi Kumar were the experts from MOHAN Foundation who conducted the session. Ms. Juhi Ranjan of SBI Foundation moderated the workshop and welcomed the speakers and audience.

Ms. Manjula Kalyanasundaram, CEO and Managing Director – SBI Foundation began by extending a hearty welcome to the senior functionaries and employees of SBI (Ahmedabad circle) and to Ms. Jaya Jairam and Ms. Pallavi Kumar.

Ms. Jaya Jairam introduced MOHAN foundation and its activities. She explained its vision, mission and objectives. More topics discussed included

1. Why donate organs?
2. Who can donate?

• Living donor
• Deceased donor

3. Which organs can be donated in -

• Natural Death
• Brain Death

4. Eye donation and how it can be done even at home

5. Organ donation scenario in India as compared to rest of the world

6. Myths Vs. Facts about organ donation

7. How the audience can support and get involved?

• Pledge your organs and convey your decision to your family
• Give your time - Be an ambassador for the cause
• Provide financial support for the poor patients who require transplant.

8. Details of organ donation Helpline 18001031700 was shared with the participants

563 participants attended the session. SBI Chairman, Shri Dinesh Khara’s motivating video stressing the importance of the need to sensitize public about organ donation was played. At the end, a demo of how SBI employees can take pledge through SBI’s own HRMS portal, was shown.

Lastly, Ms. Jaya Jairam appealed to all participants to pledge their organs and save other’s lives.

Questions asked in the session:

1. Can I donate my organs to my relatives, if needed?
2. Why solid organs can’t be donated after cardiac death?

The participants appreciated the session and they said, “This was a much needed session for them”. It inspired and motivated them to pledge their organs.

Shri Parmeshwar Ram, CFO SBI Foundation, ended the workshop by thanking the speakers Ms. Jaya Jairam, Ms. Pallavi Kumar and Ms. Manjula Kalyanasundaram and everyone who attended the session.

MOHAN Foundation is grateful to SBI Foundation and its team members for its support.