Tag: Rotary Club of Miramar

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Rotary Club of Miramar Hosts Organ Donation Awareness Talk with MOHAN Foundation

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 26, 2025, the Rotary Club of Miramar in Panjim, Goa, hosted a compelling organ donation awareness talk as part of its regular club meeting. The session featured Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador with the MOHAN Foundation, and was coordinated by RTN Dr. Sandhya.

In a first for many attendees, the session also welcomed transplant recipients — Mr. Umesh Dhavalikar (liver), Mr. Mark Rocha, and Mr. Zeon Romano (both kidney) — who shared personal stories that humanized the conversation around organ donation. Their moving testimonies resonated deeply with the audience and offered firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs of transplantation.

Mr. Pereira opened the session with a brief introduction to the MOHAN Foundation’s work both in Goa and nationally. He highlighted that around 80 individuals are currently on the waitlist for kidney transplants in the state, where only kidney and corneal tissue transplants are currently performed.

Using a detailed PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Pereira walked attendees through the core principles of organ donation — such as the definition of brain death, the legal necessity of family consent, and the possibility of donating tissues or the whole body in cases of circulatory death.

He also explained the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, shared information about licensed transplant hospitals in Goa, and outlined the simple procedure for acquiring an organ donor card.

The testimonies added a powerful emotional layer to the session. Mr. Dhavalikar, Mr. Rocha, and Mr. Romano spoke about the uncertainty and hope that defined their transplant journeys, reminding everyone present that every donor saves not one, but several lives.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Pereira thanked Mr. Sandesh Gadvi, President of the Rotary Club of Miramar, and all Rotarians for their support and warm hospitality. He expressed gratitude to the transplant recipients for their courage in sharing their stories, and reiterated MOHAN Foundation’s commitment to promoting awareness and increasing organ donor registrations across the country.

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Rotary Club of Miramar Honors Unsung Heroes for 25 Years of Selfless Service

allycaralgoa

In a heartwarming ceremony, the Rotary Club of Miramar recognized the remarkable contributions of five outstanding individuals who have dedicated over 25 years of selfless service to their respective fields. This special event, organized by the Rotary Club, aimed to acknowledge the invaluable impact of these everyday heroes on their community.

The awardees, who were honored for their tireless efforts, included:

  • Shri. Demani Gangaram Kakatkar, a milk supplier who has been serving the community for over two and a half decades.
  • Smt. Josefina Vaz, a fisherwoman who has been contributing to the local fishing industry for over 25 years.
  • Shri. Pravin Dina Murgoankar, a newspaper supplier who has been delivering news to the community for over 25 years.
  • Shri. Krishnanath Gangaram Chari, a clerk at Mahalaxmi Temple who has been serving the temple and its devotees for over 25 years.
  • Shri. Soma Narayan Dhargalkar, a cemetery helper who has been providing essential services to the community for over 25 years.

During the ceremony, the awardees were presented with cash prizes and certificates by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. Vinaykumar Pai Raikar (PDG). Dr. Raikar commended the efforts of the honorees, emphasizing the significance of their roles in the community and encouraging them to serve as role models for future generations.

The event was attended by various club members, including President Rtn. Siddharth Deshpande, Secretary Rtn. Samrat Kamat, and Vocational Service Director Rtn. Shantendu Mohite. The ceremony was expertly hosted by Rtn. Trupti Patil.

By recognizing these unsung heroes, the Rotary Club of Miramar aims to inspire others in the community to engage in meaningful service. The club believes that acknowledging the contributions of these individuals not only honors their efforts but also motivates others to make a positive impact.

The Rotary Club of Miramar’s initiative serves as a shining example of the power of community recognition and appreciation. By celebrating the selfless service of these everyday heroes, the club reinforces the importance of kindness, compassion, and dedication to others.

Key Highlights:

  • The Rotary Club of Miramar honored five individuals for their 25 years of selfless service.
  • The awardees included a milk supplier, fisherwoman, newspaper supplier, temple clerk, and cemetery helper.
  • The awards ceremony was attended by club members and presided over by Chief Guest Dr. Vinaykumar Pai Raikar (PDG).
  • The event aimed to recognize the invaluable contributions of everyday heroes and inspire others to engage in meaningful service.