Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Health Desk
On November 19, 2025, Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador with the MOHAN Foundation, conducted an informative session on organ donation for the officers of Block 1, Bicholim Mineral Block at Sesa Goa Vedanta Ltd., Bicholim, Goa. The session was organized after Dr. Sunny Sarkar (MBBS, AFIH) learned about the MOHAN Foundation through the organ donation and transplant helpline at the Purple Fest 2025 and invited Mr. Pereira to raise awareness among the company’s workforce.
During the session, Gabriel introduced the MOHAN Foundation and highlighted its work over the past 28 years in promoting organ donation across India. With around 13 centres nationwide and headquarters in Chennai, the foundation has established an information centre in Goa to promote organ donation awareness throughout the state.
Gabriel explained that organ donation is only possible when a person is declared brain dead. Many people mistakenly believe that organs can still be donated if someone dies at home and the body is taken to a hospital promptly. He clarified that once death occurs at home, the organs cease to function, making organ donation impossible.
He further elaborated that in cases of brain death due to road traffic accidents or brain haemorrhages, medical teams initially make every effort to save the patient’s life. After treatments or surgeries, the patient is moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). If the patient does not respond, an authorised panel assesses and certifies brain stem death. Once brain death is confirmed, families are counselled about organ donation, and their consent is essential for the process to proceed.
Gabriel emphasized that only a small percentage of people have the opportunity to donate organs, but individuals can still contribute by donating tissues such as corneas, skin, or even the entire body after death at home.
The session concluded with Gabriel distributing a list of frequently asked questions on organ donation and sharing a presentation video. This included an animated short film by Shweta Gupta explaining brain death and a film on organ donation produced by ROTTO-SOTTO, Mumbai, to enhance understanding among employees.
Approximately 30 officers attended the session, and 20 individuals took donor cards, expressing their commitment to organ donation. Gabriel expressed gratitude to Dr. Sunny Sarkar and the officers of Block 1, Bicholim Mineral Block for giving the MOHAN Foundation the opportunity to conduct this impactful awareness session.
