On March 24, 2026, for the very first time, the District Branch of the Punjab Red Cross Society, Patiala, organized an awareness session on organ donation for the participants of the ongoing First Aid Training batch. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with SRDF – MOHAN Foundation, aimed to sensitize trainees about the importance of organ donation in saving lives and to encourage them to become advocates for this noble cause.

The session was initiated by Mrs. Preeti Gupta, who introduced MF-SRDF and MOHAN Foundation along with their mission and vision. She emphasized organ donation as a true “gift of life.”

A comprehensive scope on organ donation was covered through the following key points:

• The concept of organ and tissue donation and its lifesaving impact.
• The current status of organ donation in India, highlighting the gap between requirement and donation rates.
• Comparative statistics of India with other countries, as well as within Indian states. The opt-out policy was also explained for clarity.
• Explanation of terms such as live related and live unrelated donation.
• Differences between natural death, brain death, and coma state.
• Addressing myths and misconceptions about organ donation with factual information.
• Sharing real-life stories of successful organ transplants.
• Importance of carrying a Donor Card and the steps to pledge for organ donation, with encouragement to discuss the decision with family members.

The session became interactive, with participants asking questions that were addressed satisfactorily.

Around 60 participants from different areas of Patiala district attended the session. They were encouraged to register with NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) to continue living in the lives of others through organ donation.

The awareness session marked a significant step in integrating organ donation advocacy into Red Cross activities. By combining first aid training with organ donation awareness, the District Branch has set a precedent for holistic humanitarian education. The initiative is expected to continue in future batches, creating a ripple effect of awareness in the community.

MF-SRDF extended heartfelt gratitude to the Secretary of District Red Cross Society, Patiala for their assistance and for providing the opportunity to conduct this meaningful session.