ROTTO PGIMER organises Cyclothon ‘Ride of Life’ to celebrate ‘Angdaan Mahotsav’ and upcoming Indian Organ Donation Day in collaboration with Command Hospital & Cyclegiri
Over 150 Cycling Enthusiasts participated giving message of Hope, Life, and the Power of Giving
Enable others with a 2nd lease of life by pledging to gift organs post demise : Maj Gen Mathews Jacob ,VSM, Director & Commandant, CHWC
“Let’s ensure others don’t endure what we have faced.” the key message by Braveheart Gandhi Family as they shared the hugely inspiring story of organ donation of their deceased son Parth
The spirit of unity and the importance of organ donation took centre-stage today as ROTTO North culminated its month-long awareness campaign, “Angdaan Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan,” with a grand Cyclothon event, marking the upcoming Indian Organ Donation Day on 3rd August 2024.
Flagged off by Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean Academics, PGIMER in the august presence of Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER cum Nodal Officer, ROTTO and other senior faculty and residents at PGIMER, the Cyclothon was organised in collaboration with Command Hospital, Chandi Mandir, and Cycle Giri, a youth club of cycling enthusiasts and witnessed the participation of over 150 cyclists comprising doctors, army officers and other senior people from various walks of life.
The Cyclothon commenced in two legs: the first from PGIMER Campus and the second from Command Hospital, Chandimandir, both culminating at Sukhna Lake. The Army Team was led by Maj Gen Mathews Jacob, VSM, Director & Commandant of Command Hospital and a renowned anaesthesiologist. Col. (Dr.) Anurag Garg, Sr Anaesthesiologist & Chief Transplant Coordinator, Command Hospital, was also present, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the culmination point at Sukhna Lake, Maj Gen Mathews Jacob, VSM, stated while terming the response as over-whelming, “We’re probably well aware that there is a huge gap between organ availability and requirement. Thus, by organising this Cyclothon we want to disperse a message of a healthier lifestyle, which will not only help you to keep well in your present life, but will also enable others with a second lease of life, if one pledges to gift organs post demise.”
Endorsing the need for healthy life-style and commending ROTTO (North) for the initiative, Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean Academics,PGIMER, shared, “There cannot be anything more altruistic, more self-less than organ donation. I urge all to follow healthy life-style, support and promote the cause, sign up for organ donation and make your wish known to the family and be instrumental in saving precious lives.”
Dr. Sunaina Bansal, the Founder of Cycle Giri, addressing the gathering, said, “Cycling symbolizes the journey of life, and today, we ride to honor the gift of life through organ donation. Together, we can create a ripple effect of awareness and hope.”
Inspector Parvesh from Chandigarh Traffic Police, a live liver donor, also spoke on the occasion, sharing his personal journey and encouraging others to consider organ donation. Student Ambassador Japita inspired the crowd with her heartfelt words, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in promoting this noble cause.
The key highlight of the event was the presence of Mr. Sanjay Gandhi, Sunita Gandhi and their younger son Dhananjay, the family of the braveheart donor Parth Gandhi. Their son’s organs were donated following his tragic accident in 2013, saving multiple lives through the transplantation of his heart, liver, and kidneys.Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of organ donation and the lives it can save. “Let’s ensure others don’t endure what we have faced, was the only motivation when we took the tough decision of organ donation, stated Mr. Sanjay Gandhi while sharing the hugely inspiring story of organ donation of their deceased son Parth
Expressing gratitude to all the collaborating partners, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER cum Nodal Officer, ROTTO urged for their proactive engagement as it would help creating awareness about the cause and addressing prevalent myths and misconceptions in the society. “The Cyclothon ‘Ride of Life’ not only marked the end of the “Angdaan Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan” campaign but also reinforced the message of hope, life, and the power of giving, ” said Prof. Koushal.
The event concluded with the felicitation of dignitaries and the distribution of certificates to participants, celebrating their commitment to the cause of organ donation.
