On June 25, 2026, Mr Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation, conducted an interactive organ donation awareness session for the officers and staff of the Directorate of Transport, Government of Goa, at Porvorim, Goa.

Addressing the gathering, Gabriel Pereira explained that the purpose of the session was to educate employees about the importance of organ donation and to encourage them to become ambassadors of the cause within their own families and communities. He highlighted that 88 patients in Goa are currently waiting for an organ transplant, emphasising that organ donation is the need of the hour.

He stressed that taking an organ donor pledge is only the first step. "The pledge becomes meaningful only when you discuss your decision with your family and close relatives," he said. He explained that in India, while the consent of the next of kin is legally required, family awareness and support play a crucial role in honouring a person's wish to donate organs.

Speaking about Goa's achievements in deceased organ donation, Gabriel informed the audience that the state has witnessed eight brain-dead organ donations so far, resulting in 16 kidney transplant recipients receiving a new lease of life and coming off dialysis. In addition, other vital organs, including the heart, liver, and lungs, were allocated to patients outside Goa, as kidney and cornea transplantation are presently performed in the state.

Making the session interactive, Gabriel engaged the participants by asking questions about transplant hospitals in Goa and the organs and tissues transplanted at each centre. Staff members who answered correctly were presented with pens as tokens of appreciation, making the awareness programme both educational and engaging.

Considering the nature of the department, Gabriel also highlighted the importance of road safety. He urged everyone to wear helmets correctly by ensuring the straps are securely fastened while riding two-wheelers and reminded car occupants to always wear seat belts. He noted that many brain deaths result from road traffic accidents, making preventive road safety measures equally important in saving lives.

He further explained the different ways individuals can pledge to become organ donors. Participants were informed about donor cards and were guided through the process of signing up. Gabriel distributed around 60 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) brochures containing a QR code, enabling participants to access authentic information on organ donation and register their pledge online.

Gabriel reminded the audience that the conversation on organ donation should not end inside the auditorium. Instead, it should continue at home with family and friends. He explained the distinction between tissue donation and organ donation, noting that individuals who die at home may be able to donate tissues or opt for whole-body donation, whereas organ donation is possible only after a person is declared brain dead due to causes such as severe head injury, brain haemorrhage, or road traffic accidents, while being maintained on ventilator support in a hospital.

The awareness programme concluded with three staff members taking the organ donor pledge.

Gabriel Pereira expressed his sincere gratitude to Shri Arvind B. Khutkar, the Director of Transport, Shri. Melwin Faleiro, Dy. Director (Admin)and Shri. B.A. Sawant, Add. Director (North) for providing the opportunity to address the department's officers and staff on the vital subject of organ donation and encouraging them to become advocates for this noble cause.