On August 13, 2025, in observance of World Organ Donation Day, MOHAN Foundation, Imphal, in collaboration with Shija Academy of Health Sciences, Langol, Imphal West, Manipur, conducted an awareness session on the Concept of Organ Donation. The session was organized for MBBS Phase III Part I students and Nursing students of Shija College of Nursing.

The program was led by Ms. Laishram Monica Devi, Project Coordinator (Northeast) and Project Lead (Manipur), along with Mr. Bidyananda Laishram, Senior Program Executive, and Mrs. Thaudem Mayarani Devi, Program Executive, MOHAN Foundation. It was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Maisnam Amuba Singh, Director of Shija Academy of Health Sciences; Ms. Anisha Khudongbam, Deputy Director (Finance and Operations) and Nodal Officer for Organ Donation and Transplantation, Shija Hospital and Research Institute (SHRI) Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Haobam Gunaremba Singh, Transplant Coordinator; and Ms. Sweety Moirangthem, Assistant Transplant Coordinator, SHRI Pvt. Ltd.

Ms. Monica began by introducing MOHAN Foundation and its mission to promote organ donation across India. Using an engaging PowerPoint presentation, she provided valuable insights into organ donation. The session highlighted global statistics on organ failure, India’s low donation rates, and the urgent need to build awareness. She explained the meaning of organ donation, the types of donations, types of death, and clarified the difference between brainstem death and coma. Participants also learned about the organs that can be donated after brainstem death, donor eligibility criteria, and the present scenario of organ donation in both India and Manipur.

To encourage positive change, Ms. Monica addressed common myths, presenting facts to dispel doubts and misconceptions. She emphasized the importance of pledging to donate, carrying a donor card, and the life-saving impact of each donation. Inspiring stories of organ donors from India and Manipur were shared, underscoring the profound difference one individual can make. Concluding her talk, she reminded participants that “Rome was not built in a day” and posed a powerful question: “Are you ready?” The audience responded enthusiastically, raising their hands in unison and declaring, “Yes, we are ready.”

The session ended with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Ms. Anisha, who acknowledged MOHAN Foundation’s remarkable work in advancing organ donation across India. She also encouraged participants to watch Aye Zindagi — an inspiring true story of Mrs. Lalitha Raghuram — which beautifully portrays the gift of organ donation and second chances at life.

At the end, Mr. Bidyananda and Ms. Mayarani distributed informational pamphlets to the attendees. Nearly 200 participants took part in the session, which left a strong and lasting impact.