On July 17, 2025, Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador with MOHAN Foundation, conducted an awareness session on organ donation for the staff at the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Alto Porvorim.
Gabriel shared his personal connection to the cause, explaining that he was inspired to promote organ donation after a family member received a transplant six years ago. He highlighted key aspects of organ donation, including the types of death and the organs and tissues that can be donated in each scenario, with a particular focus on understanding brain stem death.
During the session, Gabriel posed a question to the audience: if someone dies at home, can they donate their organs? After receiving responses, he clarified that in the case of circulatory death at home, organs cannot be donated, but corneas, skin, and the body can still be donated. In contrast, a brain-dead person can donate eight organs and enhance the lives of over fifty people through tissue donation.
The session featured a PowerPoint presentation with videos explaining brain death, an introduction to the work of MOHAN Foundation, steps to obtain and use an organ donor card, and a testimonial by Ms. Shreya Siddanagowder. Gabriel also shared the trailer of the film Aye Zindagi on YouTube to illustrate the impact of organ donation.
Flyers containing frequently asked questions were distributed to reinforce understanding. Gabriel emphasised the importance of informing family members about one’s decision to donate, as family consent is critical for the donation process.
Approximately 20 staff members attended the session, with 10 taking donor cards at the end.
The session concluded with Gabriel expressing his gratitude to Mrs. Donna D’Souza, Principal, and the staff for facilitating the talk and supporting the cause of organ donation.
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