Mr. Asif Iqbal, co-founder of Dhanak, invited MOHAN Foundation (MF) on August 26, 2023 to conduct an organ donation awareness session for Dhanak members at their Mayur Vihar Phase 1 office in New Delhi. Ms. Praveen, Coordinator, Dhanak, coordinated the session, and Dr. Muneet Kaur Sahi, Programme Manager, MF, Delhi NCR, was the session's resource person. Ms. Simran Anand, Programme Officer, MF, Delhi NCR, accompanied her.

Dhanak of Humanity is a not-for-profit organisation comprised of interfaith couples, inter-caste couples, and individuals who believe in Dhanak’s cause. Founded by a few interfaith couples, Dhanak began as a support group in 2004. Since the formation of Dhanak, its co-founders have cherished a dream of faith-based, equal coexistence. The session was scheduled during their Manthan Shivir in order to promote organ and body donation.

Mr. Asif welcomed the MF staff and introduced Dhanak briefly. Then, each member delivered a brief introduction to the MF staff. Dr. Muneet began the session by introducing the concept of organ donation and informing the audience about the oldest and youngest donors ever recorded. The concept of "brain death" was conveyed via a brief educational film. She also clarified the concept of "consent" as it pertains to organ donation after death. She emphasised to the participants the concept of legal death and explained the various steps required to declare brain death.

The following topics were explained in detail:

• Organ donation and its need

• Status of organ donation in India

• When and how does organ donation take place?

• Organs that can be donated during life and after death

• Transplant Law

• Cornea donation

• Brain death

• Contraindications to organ donation

• Role of MOHAN Foundation

• Individuals and the general public's role in raising awareness about organ donation

• Organ donation myths and facts

• Causes of brain death

• Differences between brain death and coma

The following were some of the queries raised by the participants:

• Whose consent is important in divorce cases for organ donation?

• What happens to the donated body after the research has been completed?

• Whom should individuals in Gujarat contact if they wish to donate eyes?

• What if the deceased's children or relatives are out of the country? How will consent then be obtained?

The process of organ donor pledging and the significance of family dialogue in relation to organ donation were explained to the audience. Dr. Muneet outlined the various methods in which participants could join or contribute to raising awareness and promoting the cause of organ donation. In addition, she discussed the significance of grief counselling when dealing with cases of brain death.

At the conclusion of the session, Mr. Asif thanked the MF team for participating in their programme.

Close to 20 people attended the session.