On August 21, 2023, MOHAN Foundation was invited by Rotary Club Gurgaon for a talk on organ donation at Hotel Queens Pearl in Gurgaon. Ms Pallavi Kumar (Executive Director) was the speaker for the talk. She was accompanied by Mr Sanchit Arora, who has earlier done his internship with the Foundation and is now a committed volunteer. The invite was extended by Mr Manish Aggarwal, the President of the club.
Rotary Club Gurgaon was presented its Charter in 1972 by the then District Governor Rtn. V Sagar Ahuja and was started with 28 Charter members and after 40 eventful years, the strength has gone up to 91. The club set up the Rotary Public School which became functional in 2000. Organizing Blood Donation Camps, Eye Operation Camps, Health Checkup Camps, Polio Plus, providing free education to the needy, distribution of Books and Stationery have been a few of their regular since many years. In the year 2005-06, the club also constructed a building for Mortuary in Gurgaon after installing a six-cabinet cooling unit, the project was handed over to the Civil Authorities Gurgaon.
Ms Pallavi started by asking if anyone has any experience with organ failure and transplant. One Rotarian shared that he has donated a kidney to his brother many years ago. Another Rotarian shared that his uncle received a kidney from an unknown person and there could have been a payment involved. This helped initiate a discussion on what does the law allow, concept of blood relative donors and unrelated donors and how buying/selling of organs is punishable under the law.
Ms Pallavi then made a presentation on various aspects of organ donation, brain death, law, myths, and misconceptions etc. A very intense discussion followed her talk.
Another lady shared that her 14-year-old nephew was declared brain dead and that the parents donated all his organs. She broke down while sharing and it was discussed how it was a very difficult and emotional decision to make at a time of extreme grief and sorrow.
Another Rotarian showed the audience his certificate of pledge for whole body donation. He shared how his wife has also done the same. He urged the others to think about this and he got a standing ovation for the same.
Many sitting there decided to take the pledge for organ donation once they got home and discussed with their family. Close to 40 Rotarians attended the talk.
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