Campaign from Lok Bhavan would inspire a ripple effect, positioning West Bengal as a national leader in organ donation awareness and pledging
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Kolkata, December 17 — A historic milestone was achieved at Lok Bhavan (formerly Raj Bhavan), Kolkata, as Rotarian Lal Goel spearheaded West Bengal’s first-ever organ donation awareness campaign at this iconic venue. In the institution’s 222-year history, this marked the first program dedicated exclusively to organ donation awareness, setting a powerful precedent for public health advocacy in the state.
The landmark initiative was led by Rotarian Lal Goel, Founder and Charter President of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International, and Chairman of the Organ Donation India Foundation and GYAN, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of organ donation across India.
Program Highlights
The program commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr Avinash Gupta, Chief Commissioner, Hindustan Scouts & Guides, West Bengal.
Governor’s Inspiring Message
His Excellency Dr C. V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, delivered a compelling and heartfelt message underscoring the importance of organ donation. He remarked:
“When my good friend Lal Goel told me about Rotary International’s organ donation awareness program, I invited him to hold it at Lok Bhavan. This subject is close to my heart, and I know that great strides have been made by organ donation organisations under the leadership of Lal Goel. When you donate an organ, you are saving a life. This is a mission that must be encouraged wholeheartedly. I am delighted that this organ donation campaign has been launched by Rotary International. I wish the program every success—it will encourage many people to come forward and save lives.”
This was followed by a deeply moving thematic dance presentation on eye donation by Sree Dance Productions, led by accomplished Rotarian Sree Nandy. Her troupe travelled specially from Mumbai to perform, and their evocative presentation powerfully conveyed the life-transforming impact of organ and eye donation.
Key Addresses
As the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, Rotarian Lal Goel highlighted the proactive role of the government in strengthening organ transplantation support systems. He specifically acknowledged the instrumental efforts of His Excellency Dr C. V. Anand Bose in advocating for enhanced financial assistance under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, increasing coverage for organ transplantation for BPL beneficiaries from ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh.
Addressing the gathering, Rotarian Goel outlined the pressing challenges facing organ donation in India— chief among them being a lack of awareness and prevailing myths. He expressed strong optimism that launching this campaign from Lok Bhavan would inspire a ripple effect, positioning West Bengal as a national leader in organ donation awareness and pledging.
Dr S. K. Pattanayak, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society, West Bengal, lauded Rotarian Lal Goel’s tireless dedication to this life-saving mission. He expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyse a large-scale, statewide movement encouraging citizens to embrace organ donation.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
Rotarian Lal Goel expressed his deep gratitude to His Excellency Governor Dr C. V. Ananda Bose for granting him the honour of addressing this historic gathering at Lok Bhavan. He also extended heartfelt thanks to Rotarian Sree Nandy and her troupe for their inspiring performance, and to Dr S. K. Pattanayak, Dr Avinash Gupta, Mr Sandeep, Mr Suresh Vaidhyan, the Indian Red Cross Society, Hindustan Scouts & Guides, and all dignitaries, scouts, and guides who participated in large numbers and contributed to the program’s success.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Mr Suman Paul, Deputy Secretary, on behalf of Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, bringing the historic and impactful program to a meaningful close.
