On November 19, 2025, Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador with the MOHAN Foundation, conducted an informative session on organ donation for the officers of Block 1, Bicholim Mineral Block at Sesa Goa Vedanta Ltd., Bicholim, Goa.

Dr. Sunny Sarkar (MBBS, AFIH) invited Mr. Pereira to the company after learning about the MOHAN Foundation through the organ donation and transplant helpline at the Purple Fest 2025.

During the session, Gabriel introduced the foundation and highlighted its work over the past 28 years in promoting organ donation across India. The MOHAN Foundation currently has around 13 centres nationwide, with its headquarters in Chennai. In Goa, an information centre has been established to raise awareness throughout the state.

Gabriel explained that only individuals declared brain dead can become organ donors. Many people mistakenly believe that if a person dies at home and the body is taken to a hospital within a certain timeframe, organ donation may still be possible. He clarified that when death occurs at home, the organs also cease to function, making organ donation impossible.

He further explained that if someone is declared brain dead due to causes such as road traffic accidents or brain haemorrhages, the medical team will initially make every effort to save the person’s life. After necessary treatments or surgeries, the patient is moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). If it becomes apparent that the patient is not responding to treatment, the treating doctor will consult an authorised panel to assess and certify brain stem death. If both tests confirm brain death, the family is counselled about organ donation. Consent from the family is essential for the donation process to proceed.

Gabriel noted that only a very small percentage of people have the opportunity to become organ donors. However, in cases where death occurs at home, individuals can still contribute by donating tissues such as corneas, skin, and even the entire body.

He concluded the session by distributing a list of frequently asked questions on organ donation and requested Dr. Sunny to share a presentation video. This included an animated short film created by Shweta Gupta, a brain death explainer, and a film on organ donation produced by ROTTO-SOTTO, Mumbai, to help enhance understanding among the company’s workforce.

Approximately 30 officers attended the session, and 20 individuals took donor cards, expressing their commitment to organ donation.

Gabriel thanked Dr. Sunny Sarkar and all the officers from Block 1, Bicholim Mineral Block for giving the MOHAN Foundation the opportunity to conduct this important session.

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