A religious meet “Sant Sangama” was organized by MOHAN  Foundation on December 4 , 2012 at SJBIT Auditorium, BGS Education City, Kengeri under the patronship of Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math.

Religious leaders lighting the lamp

The main objective of the meet was to overcome the myth among the public about the religion and organ donation. 11 religious leaders from different faiths came together for the cause and graced the occasion by sharing their messages on organ donation. The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp. Dr. Sunil Shroff, Managing Trustee gave the welcome speech and expressed the importance of the confluence.

Religious Leaders at the Confluence

Messages given by the leaders are as follows. 

Sri Sri Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swami of Pejawar Mutt:

Giving an example of King Shibi, he said that giving a donation is part of Hindu way of life and there will be no harm done to us in our next Janma if we donate organs.

He said that it was unfortunate that most miss a chance to donate an organ because of the false belief that donation is prohibited by religion. It is wrong to believe that a dead person's body without vital organs is incomplete and hence, the dead person cannot rest in peace.  “The scriptures say that if you donate money in this lifetime, you will get more in the next birth. Organ donation should also be considered in a similar way. If you donate organs to a needy person and save his life, you will be born without any ailments in your next birth,” the seer said.

Fr.Davis Chiramel, Chairman, Kidney Federation of India,Kerala:

He said that the beginning of life on earth was when a rib from Adam was transformed into Eve. He recalled that the leaders of Christianity such as Pope John Paul II were Organ Donors. Fr.Davis Chiramel representing the Christian community said that “Christianity is never against organ donation”. Fr.Davis had th donated one of his kidneys on 30 September 2009 to save the life of Mr Gopinathan, an electrician hailing from a poor family in his forties.

Dr. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari, Dharmasthala:

He recounted the gratefulness he felt when his wife received a liver donation for transplantation. Explaining the birth of Lord. Ganesha, he asked everyone to support Organ Donation.

 Dr. Yejasussin Ashrafi Ex MLC Speaker:

He explained about the Organ Donation, and asked everyone to support this very important and life saving cause. Representing the Muslim community, he said that Islam is not against organ donation. God had created us as human beings, not as Hindu, Christian or Islam. Hence people should come forward to support organ donation and save the life of fellow beings.

 Sri Shivanubahava Charumurty Swamiji of Belimeth :

He believed that all Dharma and Shastras support helping others in need. He requested all to shed their egos and donate organs. 

S A R Prasanna Venkatachariar Chaturvedi Swamiji:

He said that it is a sin if we do not help a person in his suffering. He believed that apart from supporting Organ Donation, people should also work towards prevention of diseases.

Khenpo Sonam Tsewang, Buddhist:

Buddhism says that our action should not cause any pain. In case of brain death, donating organs doesn't cause pain so donation can happen.

Mr.Sudhakar Rao representative from Tibetan Monastery:

He said that a person finds peace in helping others.

Giani Bal Devji, Representative from Gurudwara :

Quoting Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Govind Singhji, he said that all human beings should pray, work hard and live a life in which we are always helping humanity.

Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji o f Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math:

He supported the concept of Organ Donation, and said that since the body is given to us by our Lord, we should help others to the utmost.

Sri Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji of Puthige Mutt:

He appreciated the work done by the staff of MOHAN Foundation in giving life to organ failure patients. He clarified that the good and bad karma done by the donor does not get into the recipient's karma.

 MOHAN Foundation also felicitated supporters, who helped in making a difference in the life of several patients that are suffering from end stage organ failure. Mrs. Lalitha Raghuram, Country Director, delivered the vote of thanks.