Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 20: Milagres College Youth Red Cross Unit and the Youth Red Cross Unit of Mangaluru University, in association with Jeevasarthakathe and the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), Karnataka, under the department of health and family welfare, Government of Karnataka, organised an awareness and registration drive on organ donation at the college auditorium as part of World Organ Donation Day.

Chief guest Jyothi K Ulepadi, district health education officer, department of health and family welfare, Dakshina Kannada, said that the misconceptions about organ donation prevailing in society must be dispelled and that more people should come forward voluntarily to pledge their organs. She stressed the need to create greater awareness about organ donation among students.

A special awareness talk on organ donation was delivered by Shilpa T U, grief counsellor-cum-transplant coordinator, State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), Karnataka. Speaking on the theme 'Organ Donation – A Gift of Life', she explained the importance of organ donation, the registration process, and how organ donation can help give a new lease of life to many people.

Presiding over the programme, Dr Alwin Serrao, principal of Milagres College, said that it is essential for the younger generation to understand the importance of organ donation. He emphasised that such programmes should reach society through the youth.

Students from various colleges participated in the programme. On the occasion, 22 students registered as organ donors.

Dr Gayathri N, nodal officer-YRC, Dakshina Kannada District, and Chethana, IQAC co-coordinator, were present at the programme.

Youth Red Cross secretary Sinchana welcomed the gathering, while Sushmitha Shaila Moras, YRC programme officer, proposed the vote of thanks. Student Princel compered the programme.