An organ donation awareness talk was organised for members of Lokmat Saki at Amshekar Hospital in Valpoi, Sattari, Goa, on December 19, 2025. The session was conducted by Gabriel Pereira, an organ donation ambassador associated with the MOHAN Foundation, following an invitation extended by Ms Geeta Daawan.
Gabriel Pereira shared that the initiative was planned after his interaction with Ms Daawan during the Valpoi Marathon earlier in the month. She informed him that Dr Ashok Amshekar, founder of the Valpoi Marathon and proprietor of Amshekar Hospital, commemorates his birthday every year by organising social initiatives such as blood donation camps and had also welcomed an organ donation awareness programme at the hospital.
Before the talk, a short film on organ donation produced by ROTTO–SOTTO, Mumbai, was screened to help participants better understand the process and significance of organ donation.
A highlight of the programme was the testimony of Mr Umesh Dhavalikar, a liver transplant recipient, who shared his emotional journey and the gift of life he received from his sister. He spoke about representing Goa and India in national and international transplant games, inspiring the audience with his resilience and gratitude.
During the interactive session, Gabriel explained the current status of organ transplantation in Goa, stating that kidney and corneal transplants are presently carried out in the state. He noted that eight brain-dead declarations have enabled 16 kidney transplants locally, while other organs such as hearts, lungs, and livers are allocated through the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO). He further explained the role of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) in managing organ allocation within states.
Approximately 30 informational flyers addressing frequently asked questions about organ donation were distributed during the event, resulting in seven attendees pledging to become organ donors.
At the conclusion of the programme, Gabriel Pereira expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Ms Geeta Daawan, Dr Ashok Amshekar, and Mr Umesh Dhavalikar for their support and commitment towards spreading awareness about organ donation and saving lives.
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