Around 200 people from all walks of life participated in the Udaipur Donor Dash 2018 on Sunday at 6:30am.  The organ donation awareness initiative was brought to life once again today.

Udaipur Donor Dash was initiated by a group of like minded people in 2017, with UdaipurTimes and Bohra Youth Medical Relief Society, Udaipur taking the lead.  This year, the initiative saw immense support and participation from Mohan Foundation Jaipur Citizen Forum, Jaipur, Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur; ProTalent Education Services, Udaipur; Advaiya Solutions, Udaipur and Udaipurwale FB Group.

The participants began coming in early 6am onwards at Aravali Vatika, which was the assembly point for the walk today.  Jameela Germanwala, the coordinator for the event said that around 150 people gathered at the starting point from 6am onwards.

The rally began at 6:45am and while they proceeded towards Fatehsagar Paal, morning walkers began joining the rally.  This took the count to above 200.

Participants distributed pamphlets along the way, which explained details about organ donation, clarified the apprehensions and myths surrounding the concept and created a fair awareness on organ donation.

Dr Sanjeev Tak, CMHO at RNT Medical College in his address to those gathered at the rally end point on Fatehsagar Paal, said organ donation is a high priority topic in Indian medical circles now.  He emphasised the need for awareness among people.

He elaborated on the uniqueness or organ donation and explained the benefits that recipients derive from organ donation.  He also appreciated the efforts of the organisers, especially Bohra Youth Medical Relief Society.  Dr Tak mentioned that Bohra Youth is a very conscious society and reformist in approach.  Hence expecting them to take this initiative is a welcome sign for Udaipur.

Dr Sanjeev Baheti, Nephrologist and Head Kidney Transplant Surgeon at Geetanjali Hospital, Udaipur, in his address to the onlookers said that organ donation signifies life after death.

Jitendra Singh Rathod President of Lake City Kidney Care and Relief Foundation Udaipur was the chief guest at the event. Jitendra Singh has created awareness in and around the region and has been instrumental in over 30 transplant initiatives across remote areas near Udaipur.  Kidney care and transplant is the main objective of his life now.

Roshan Bahadur and Pawan Dubey of Mohan Foundation Jaipur, in their address said that their organisation has currently begun a movement of raising awareness across 42 panchayats around Jaipur.  They now want to replicate the same in Udaipur.

Anees Miyaji of the Bohra Youth Medical Relief Society thanked the participants and requested them to create awareness and motivate towards organ donation.