An organ donation awareness session was successfully conducted on April 16, 2026, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School, Arambol, Goa. Mr Gabriel Pereira, an Organ Donation Ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation, led the session.
Mr Pereira began the session by introducing himself and explaining his role as an ambassador. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he engaged the students and clarified the purpose of his visit. Although the students were not yet eligible to become organ donors, he emphasised that they represent the future of society—as policymakers, teachers, doctors, engineers, and responsible citizens. He highlighted that educating young minds is essential to building awareness and shaping positive attitudes toward organ donation.
During the session, he covered several vital aspects of organ and tissue donation. He explained that tissue donation can take place even after natural death at home or in cases of circulatory death. However, organ donation is possible only when a person is declared brain dead, often resulting from incidents such as road traffic accidents, severe head injuries, or brain haemorrhage.
He further elaborated on the medical process involved in declaring brain stem death. Initially, doctors make every effort to save the patient’s life. If the patient does not respond to treatment, a separate panel of four certified doctors—empanelled for this purpose—conducts tests to determine brain stem death. These tests are performed twice at a six-hour interval. Once brain death is confirmed, a transplant coordinator approaches and counsels the family. If the family consents and the organs are suitable for transplantation, the process of organ donation is carried out.
To make the session interactive and engaging, he asked the students questions related to transplant hospitals and the types of organs and tissues that can be donated in the state. Students who answered correctly were rewarded with pens, which added enthusiasm and participation among the attendees.
Approximately 200 students attended the awareness talk and actively participated throughout the session. The program concluded with Mr Gabriel expressing his gratitude to the school Headmistress, Mrs Aveline Dancho and the administration for providing the opportunity to conduct the session.
The initiative was well-received and appreciated by both students and staff, contributing meaningfully to spreading awareness about organ donation.
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