On 24^th January 2015, MOHAN Foundation was invited by Mr. Sankar Babu to conduct an awareness session for the residents of Ramakrishna Vavaprastha Ashramam in Kesara Gutta. The ashram is a natural paradise with the beauty of nature, full of birds, and a peaceful destination for the retired couples and individuals. The residents consisted of freedom fighters, retired employees and people from different backgrounds that have chosen the ashram as their final destination.

 

The ashram was built by the Ramakrishna Mission with the intent to provide facilities for third stage of Vanaprastha (retired from society to find peace and lives in forest) in human life as per Hindu tradition. The ashram is situated in Kesara Hills and consists of cottages for the residents, dining hall, temple, meditation room, hospital and a large area with a pond and full of trees.

 

Dr. Koti Reddy of MOHAN Foundation spoke about importance of deceased organ donation, cultural intricacies involved with organ donation & eye donation, benefits of transplantation, T.H.O 1994 Act, concept of brain death and myths surrounding organ donation, religion and organ donation.

 

There were about 30 residents that have come forward to pledge to donate organs and they were provided donor card and information brochures. All the residents were also interested to donate their whole body to medical colleges and also requested us to help with body donation. There was also a discussion about the need of the consent of the family members for organ donation and body donation and all the residents strongly felt that there is no need for the consent from family members when they are willing to donate after they pass away. They have also told that they would work out on the legal ways for possible donation without the consent from family members.

 

We thank Sri. Papi Reddy, Secretary of Ramakrishna Vanaprasthana Ashram, for organizing this wonderful interactive session with the residents of Ahsram. We also thank all the participants and especially Sri. Ramakrishna Reddy, freedom fighter, for his valuable suggestions.