On September 1, 2025, MOHAN Foundation, in collaboration with the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal West, organized an awareness session at the Ophthalmology Department as part of the National Eye Donation Fortnight observed under the theme “Everyday Heroes.” The session was led by Ms. Laishram Monica Devi, Project Coordinator (Northeast) & Project Lead (Manipur), along with Mr. Bidyananda Laishram, Senior Program Executive, and Mrs. Thaudem Mayarani Devi, Program Executive, MOHAN Foundation.

The programme was coordinated by Dr. Y. Chingsuingamba Meitei, Professor and Head, Department of Ophthalmology, with the support of Dr. Memota Laishram, Assistant Professor, and Ms. Chongtham Pritam, Medical Social Worker, RIMS.

The session began with a welcome address by Ms. Pritam, followed by remarks from Dr. Meitei on the theme “Everyday Heroes.” He highlighted the urgent need for accurate knowledge on eye and organ donation and emphasized the importance of spreading greater awareness of this noble act.

Ms. Monica introduced MOHAN Foundation and its initiatives to promote organ donation in Imphal through an engaging presentation. She shared global and national statistics, highlighted India’s low donation rates, and explained the concept of organ donation, its types, and the distinction between brainstem death and coma. Addressing common myths, she underlined the importance of pledging and carrying a donor card and shared inspiring stories of donors from India and Manipur. She concluded with the reminder that organ donation transcends religion, caste, and creed, leaving the audience with the thought-provoking question: “Are you ready?”

This was followed by a detailed presentation by Dr. Memota, who provided a comprehensive overview of the eye donation process. She explained the steps of eye retrieval and their significance in restoring vision, while also sharing practical insights and challenges from her own professional experience. Using a PowerPoint presentation and photographs from actual eye retrieval and donation activities, she offered participants a deeper understanding of the procedure and its life-changing impact.

Information pamphlets on organ donation were distributed during the programme. The session was attended by nearly 50 participants, including doctors, senior staff nurses, faculty members, and postgraduate students from the Ophthalmology Department. The participants expressed their positive willingness to support and engage in future organ donation initiatives.