On November 26, 2025, the Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Rishikesh organized the Whole-Body Donation Awareness & Felicitation Program at the Main Auditorium of AIIMS Rishikesh. The program was led by Prof. Meenu Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS Rishikesh and Prof. Jaya Chaturvedi, Dean Academics, AIIMS Rishikesh. Mahant Shri Lokesh Das Ji Maharaj, spiritual Leader at Jagannath Ashram, Rishikesh, attended as Guest of Honour. Representing MOHAN Foundation were Mr. Sanchit Arora, Project Leader, stationed at AIIMS Rishikesh who participated as one of the speakers, along with Mr. Arun Sharma, Program Executive, Uttarakhand.

The event brought together key faculty members, medical professionals, MBBS and nursing students, donor families, pledge holders, and transplant coordinators of the institute.

The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Rajeev Chaudhary, Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Rishikesh who also served as the moderator of the program.

Dr. Rashmi Malhotra, Professor, Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Rishikesh opened the session with an overview of body donation and briefly explained the procedural aspects of body donation in the hospital.

Advocate Neeraj Pandey, Member, Dadhichi Deh Daan Samiti, Dehradun, shared the history of the Anatomy Act, notable cases related to body supply, and the inspirational example of Rishi Dadhichi.

Mr. Sanchit Arora presented MOHAN Foundation’s initiatives in Uttarakhand, explained the donor registration process, and highlighted challenges and awareness strategies. He also shared poignant examples of two neonatal body donations in Uttarakhand—of neonates aged two-and-a-half days and six days—describing these contributions as the ultimate gift signifying the profound impact of body donation.

Mahant Shri Lokesh Das Ji delivered a spiritual message, describing body donation as the highest form of selfless service. Invoking the examples of Rishi Dadhichi and King Shibi, he emphasized that donation is rooted in compassion and sacrifice, benefiting future generations.

Prof. Meenu Singh and Prof. Jaya Chaturvedi reiterated the importance of body donation in strengthening medical education and research.

The program included the felicitation of donor families and pledge holders, showcasing success stories from AIIMS Rishikesh as inspiring examples of the positive impact of whole-body donations.

In the conclusion, Prof. Mukesh Singla, HOD, Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Rishikesh shared his experiences with body donations at AIIMS Rishikesh, emphasizing that cadavers are the first teachers of medical students. He expressed his gratitude to all participants, especially the donor families, for their valuable contributions.

Nearly 500 participants attended the program. After the event, 9 participants pledged their organs on the NOTTO website, and 6 participants pledged for whole body donation.

Media Coverage:

https://www.newsdastak100.com/archives/13558

https://www.dailyabhitaksamachar.com/archives/15682

https://x.com/aiimsrishi/status/1993708244263678378?s=12