Chandigarh:
The Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) North), PGIMER, Chandigarh, organised an Organ Donation Awareness Session at the Office of the Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, Chandigarh, under the nation wide campaign f India’s ‘Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyan’.
The programme received an overwhelming and encouraging response, with 30 out of 50 participants, representing 60 per cent of those attending the session, coming forward to pledge their organs for donation. The impressive participation reflected the commitment of the CCA office towards supporting the noble cause of organ and tissue donation and demonstrated how workplaces can play a significant role in building awareness and inspiring meaningful public participation in the organ donation movement.
Leading by example and becoming the first person to pledge his organs, Vijendra Narain Tandon, Controller of Communication Accounts, Punjab, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, appreciated the initiative undertaken by ROTTO North, PGIMER and shared that the cause of organ donation had personally inspired him and that he felt strongly about encouraging his officers and staff to understand the importance of donation and come forward to support this noble humanitarian cause.
Speaking on the occasion, Tandon said,”Organ donation is one of the noblest forms of service to humanity. I was personally inspired by this cause and felt that our staff should also have an opportunity to understand its importance and come forward. The response today has been extremely encouraging. With 30 out of 50 participants pledging their organs, our office has demonstrated that when awareness is combined with collective commitment, it can make a real difference.”
The fact that 60 per cent of the participants came forward to pledge their organs emerged as the defining highlight of the programme. The response from the CCA office demonstrated how government institutions and workplaces can lead from the front in creating awareness, dispelling misconceptions and encouraging employees to become ambassadors of a humanitarian cause.
Saryu D. Madra, Consultant, IEC Media, ROTTO North, PGIMER, while deliberating on the importance of communication and awareness in the organ donation movement, emphasised that effective information, meaningful dialogue and personal engagement are essential to converting awareness into informed action.
Madra said, “Organ donation is a decision that has the potential to extend far beyond the individual donor and can create a lasting impact on recipients, their families and society at large. Awareness is the first step towards action. Every informed pledge has the potential to become a message of hope and a life-changing gift for someone waiting for a transplant.”
The session also focused on the need to move beyond myths and hesitation and encourage open conversations about organ donation within families. Participants were urged to discuss their wishes with their loved ones, as family communication plays an important role in ensuring that an individual’s decision regarding donation is understood and respected.
Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, PGIMER, said that awareness, informed decision-making and active public participation are the key pillars of strengthening the organ donation movement.
Dr. Tadia said, “The response at the CCA office is truly encouraging. Thirty pledges from 50 participants mean that 60 per cent of those attending have taken a conscious step towards giving the gift of life. This is exactly the spirit that the ‘Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyan’ seeks to foster. ROTTO North is committed to taking the message of organ donation to workplaces, institutions and communities so that more people understand that one informed decision can transform several lives.”
The programme concluded with a highly engaging question-and-answer session, during which participants actively interacted with the ROTTO North team and sought clarification on various aspects of organ and tissue donation. The interactive session provided an opportunity for participants to address their queries, clarify misconceptions and gain a better understanding of the donation process.
The ‘Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyan’ continues to serve as an important Government of India initiative and a significant platform for ROTTO North, PGIMER, to strengthen public awareness, promote informed decision-making and encourage greater participation in the organ and tissue donation movement.
