CHANDIGARH.16.11.2025-The three-day Organ Donation Awareness and Pledge Camp organised by the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO), PGIMER, at the vibrant Chandigarh Carnival from 14th to 16th November, drew a remarkable response as 124 citizens pledged for organ donation and many more came forward with heartfelt motivation, thoughtful questions, and a desire to leave behind a meaningful legacy.

For many visitors, the camp offered the opportunity they had long been looking for—an accessible, trustworthy space to understand organ donation and take an informed step toward helping others.

Throughout the carnival, people from across the region visited the ROTTO counter—some out of curiosity, some inspired by personal experiences, and many driven by compassion. Some pledgers who shared interesting and motivational stories included Vishal Gupta (Delhi), Umar Gopal (Mohali), Indu (Una), Neharika (Chandigarh), Ravi (Panchkula), Chirag (Chandigarh), Pratap Garg (mohali), Rajeev Agnish (Chandigarh), Monika Rai (Chandigarh), Ravinder Barlas (Rohtak), and Rajeev Anish (Zirakpur). Their motivations were sincere and diverse.

Vishal Gupta shared softly, “I have seen the helplessness of families waiting endlessly. If my organs can help someone else breathe easier, that is the service I want to leave behind.” Monika Rai expressed a sense of clarity, saying, “I had questions for years, and no platform felt approachable. Today, I felt reassured and proud to finally pledge.”

Many visitors opened up about the pain they had witnessed. Indu from Una said, “A close relative waited three years for a kidney but never got it. If I can prevent that kind of pain for another family, it is worth everything.” For Neharika from Chandigarh, the decision was rooted in personal resolve: “Life has given me much. Donating my organs is my way of giving back.” Others reflected a new worldview—Ravi from Panchkula remarked, “We plan so much for our lives, but this pledge is planning for someone else’s life. That thought moved me deeply.” Chirag from Chandigarh added, “I always wondered whether ordinary people could make an extraordinary difference. Today, I realised we can.”

Visitors also asked practical and heartfelt questions, showing genuine concern and a desire for clarity. Many enquired whether organ donation involved any cost to the donor’s family, how long transplant waiting times usually are, how brain death is certified and by whom, and whether all hospitals can perform transplants or only authorised centres. Some questioned the safeguards against misuse and how the system ensures transparency. The ROTTO team patiently addressed each query, reinforcing that organ donation is a legally protected, well-regulated process with clear protocols to ensure ethical practice. This transparency reassured many who were on the fence and ultimately motivated them to pledge.

**Prof. Vipin Koushal, Nodal Officer, ROTTO (North), PGIMER, **appreciated the positive public engagement and said, “The Chandigarh Carnival offered us a wonderful platform to connect directly with people, address doubts and empower them with correct information. Every pledge taken here is a profound act of kindness and a promise of hope for patients waiting for life-saving transplants. We are deeply touched by the sincerity shown by citizens.”