Tag: OrganDonation

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Organ Donation Awareness Talk Held for Lokmat Saki Members at Amshekar Hospital, Valpoi

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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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Awareness Talk on Brain Death and Organ Donation Held at Assagao Union High School

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An impactful awareness session on “Brain Death and Organ Donation” was conducted on November 13, 2025, at Assagao Union High School, Assagao. Organized by the Lions Club of Mapuca in collaboration with the MOHAN Foundation, the program aimed to educate students from Classes 8th to 10th about organ donation and its life-saving significance.

The session began at 1:00 PM with a warm welcome by Headmaster Shreedhar Naik, who greeted the resource person Gabriel Pereira and invited guests. In his address, he highlighted the school’s dedication to nurturing responsible citizens through meaningful social awareness engagements.

MJF Lion Goculdas Nagvenkar followed with an insightful introduction to the Lions Club of Mapuca, outlining the club’s extensive community initiatives, including health campaigns, environmental programs, and youth outreach. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with organizations like the MOHAN Foundation that champion critical causes such as organ donation.

The highlight of the event was the expert-led session by Gabriel Pereira, who explained the concept of brain death, its medical relevance, and the transformative power of organ donation. Using relatable examples and simple explanations, he encouraged students to view organ donation as an act of compassion capable of saving multiple lives. His talk generated active engagement, with students posing thoughtful questions.

The program was seamlessly compered by Teacher Eeshwari Narvekar, who kept the session interactive and well-paced. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Teacher Pravin Gaonkar, who acknowledged the contributions of the Lions Club, MOHAN Foundation, the school staff, and the students for making the session impactful and meaningful.

The awareness drive saw enthusiastic participation, leaving a deep impression on the young attendees. Students shared positive feedback, expressing a clearer understanding and a more compassionate outlook toward organ donation.

This initiative underscores the Lions Club of Mapuca’s commitment to community service and the MOHAN Foundation’s dedication to life-saving advocacy. Programs like this plant seeds of awareness among younger generations—strengthening the message: “One Donor, Multiple Lives.”

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SOTTO Goa Celebrates the “Spirit of Giving” on Indian Organ Donation Day

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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.

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