Governor Shri Haribhau Bagde Calls Organ Donation a ‘Supreme Gift’
The Sunday mail
Jaipur।The three-day organ Transplantation conference ISOT 2025 being held at the Novotel Convention Centre, Sitapura, witnessed participation from over 1,500 transplant surgeons and experts representing 22 countries, delivering more than 120 expert lectures on organ transplantation and related innovations.
In his welcome address, Organizing Committee Chairman Dr. M L Swarankar emphasized the need for policy-level reforms to strengthen the organ transplant ecosystem in India.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan Shri Haribhau Bagde called organ donation a ‘Mahadaan’ (supreme gift) and urged citizens to take inspiration from the selfless act of Maharshi Dadhichi, who donated his body for the greater good. “Every year, thousands of patients lose their lives due to lack of available organs. Society must come forward with awareness and compassion to save lives through organ donation,” he said. The Governor also stressed the importance of introducing health and wellness education from an early age in schools.
During the event, the Governor felicitated several eminent transplant surgeons and researchers for their remarkable contributions in the field.
Organizing Secretary Dr. Suraj Godara highlighted that over five lakh patients in India die annually due to the unavailability of organs for transplantation. “Every year, thousands of brain-dead patients could give new life to others if their families agree to donate vital organs like kidneys, lungs, intestines, liver, heart, and skin,” he said. He also advised early diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent progression to organ failure.
Supreme Court Justice Shri Prasanna Varale addressed the role of the SOTTO (State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) and NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) in ensuring legal oversight, curbing malpractice, and promoting transparency in organ transplantation. “The law balances humanitarian needs with ethical and legal safeguards, allowing even extended family members to donate organs under special circumstances,” he noted.
Also present on the occasion were Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Justice Sanjiv Prakash Sharma, ISOT President Dr. Arpita Roy Choudhury, Secretary Dr. Manish Balwani, and other dignitaries.
Distinguished professionals including Dr. Sanjay Kolte, Dr. Vatsala Trivedi, Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Dr. Vivek Kute, Dr. Vinayendra Pamecha, Dr. Chirag Doshi, Dr. Sandeep Attawar, Dr. Ashish Sharma, Dr. Subrahmanyam Iyer, and Dr. Dileep Dada were honored for their exemplary services in organ transplantation. Dr. George Abraham, Dr. Ravindra Sabnis, Dr. Narayan Prasad, and Dr. Preeti Meena received the Oration Awards for their outstanding contributions.
