Bhubaneswar: A state-level function was organized at Lok Seva Bhavan today to mark World Organ Donation Day. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling paid tribute to organ donors who gave new life to others and honored their family members with the ‘Suraj Samman’.
This year, 24 organ donors from 11 districts were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh along with certificates. This is the highest number of Suraj Sammans awarded in a single year so far, surpassing previous years.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mahaling said awareness created through Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program has helped build a new consciousness and a mass movement towards organ donation across the country. “Due to his efforts, India is ranked third in the world in organ donation. Organ donation is not just a decision, it is a golden opportunity to give new dreams and life in the eyes of another person,” the Minister said.
He added that ‘donation’ is considered a great human value in Indian culture and tradition. “This year, the maximum number of people have been awarded the Suraj Samman under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi,” he said.
Remembering Suraj, after whom the award is named, Dr. Mahaling noted that organs like kidney, liver, lungs, heart, pancreas and intestines from a brain-dead person can save the lives of many. He urged for maximum publicity and awareness so that organ donation is widely accepted by the public.
Health Department Secretary Ashwathi S., National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTO) Director Anil Kumar, along with senior officials of the Health Department and other departments, attended the program.
