On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Mr Gabriel Pereira, an Organ Donation Ambassador for MOHAN Foundation, was invited to deliver an organ donation awareness talk to the students of Dempo Charities Trust’s (DCT) Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College (Autonomous). The event was organised in collaboration with the Student Counselling & Mentoring Cell, Centre for Equal Opportunities, Gender Champions Cell, and the BBA Department, along with the Rotary Club of Dona Paula.

Mr Pereira expressed his gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kamat, Principal of the institution, the BBA Department, and RTN. Azeema Kulkarni, President of the Rotary Club of Dona Paula, for inviting him to address the students on this important topic.

He began by sharing the motivation behind his mission to educate the community about organ donation, which stemmed from his family’s experience with kidney failure. Having conducted over 200 talks and set up organ donation information desks across the state, he encouraged the students to continue discussions on organ donation even beyond the session. He explained that organ donation is possible only in cases of brain death or circulatory death, while tissue donation and whole-body donation are also options.

During the presentation, he spoke about the organ donation law established in 1994 and used slides to explain tissue and body donation. He also screened a video explaining the process of brain death to help participants better understand the concept.

Mr Pereira then invited Mr Zeon Ramano, a passionate art enthusiast and accomplished painter who has won several college-level art competitions, performed as a fire acrobat, and served as a judge at art events in schools and parishes. Zeon shared his inspiring journey of resilience, having lived with kidney failure from a young age, undergone years of dialysis, and ultimately received a life-saving kidney transplant. His testimony highlighted the importance of organ donation and the gift of life.

Mr Pereira further emphasised the importance of road safety, urging everyone to always wear helmets, as road accidents are a leading cause of brain stem death, which can result in potential organ donation. He also mentioned that there are currently 83 people on the waiting list for kidney transplants in Goa.

The session was attended by nearly 70 participants, each of whom received an informational flyer addressing frequently asked questions about organ donation. Five attendees also pledged to become organ donors by signing donor cards.

Mr Pereira expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kamat, Principal of the institution, and the Rotary Club of Dona Paula for permitting MOHAN Foundation to conduct the session. He also thanked Mr Zeon Ramano for his valuable contribution and support in spreading this vital awareness.