In a heartwarming tribute to the heroes of life — donors and recipients — SOTTO Goa observed Indian Organ Donation Day at Goa Medical College with a powerful community event titled “The Spirit of Giving.”
Observed annually on August 3rd, this day commemorates India’s first successful heart transplant at AIIMS Delhi and serves to raise awareness about organ donation and its life-saving impact.
In her welcome note, Dr. Preeti Varghese, Joint Director of SOTTO Goa, reflected on India’s deep-rooted tradition of “daan” or selfless giving.
“There are over 4–5 lakh individuals praying for a miracle. We must become that miracle.”
Currently, 80 patients are enlisted on the Nave Jivit deceased donor kidney waitlist in Goa — a testament to the urgent need for awareness and action.
Rangoli Competition: “Angdaan – Jeevan Sanjivani”
More than 100 participants turned art into advocacy during a vibrant rangoli competition, each design telling a unique story about the importance of organ donation.
The competition became a colorful canvas of hope, empathy, and life.
A CME lecture on “Kidney Transplant Outcome” by Dean Prof Dr. J.P. Tiwari outlined how medical advancements have significantly improved graft survival, patient longevity, and donor safety. His session reinforced the message: organ donation is safe, scientific, and life-affirming.
One of the most emotional moments of the event was the felicitation of Mr. Umesh Dhavalikar, a kidney recipient who now proudly leads Team India at the upcoming World Transplant Games in Germany this August.
“I call myself Version 2.0,” he said, smiling. “I live for the donor and the mission.”
Several testimonies brought tears and applause from the audience:
- Mr. Prakash Pangul, who donated a kidney to his wife, said, “My wedding vows were for life, and I kept them.”
- Mrs. Sangita Nayak, a liver donor to her brother, added, “It’s a privilege to save a life. I feel stronger than ever.”
- Mr. Mark Rocha, a kidney recipient, shared, “I cherish every breath of this second chance.”
The event concluded with the Organ Donation Pledge administered by Dean Goa Medical College — a promise by attendees to consider becoming organ donors and advocate for this lifesaving cause.
SOTTO Goa’s celebration wasn’t just an event — it was a movement, a gentle but powerful call to action:
Be the reason someone lives.
Because the most generous thing one can give… is a second chance at life.
📖 To read more such inspiring stories, visit allycaral.com
