Beerwah, July 10: To promote awareness about organ donation and inspire the younger generation to embrace the noble cause of saving lives, SAM College of Nursing & Para-Medical Sciences, Beerwah, in collaboration with the State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), Jammu & Kashmir, organized an Inter-College Poster Making Competition on the theme “Leave a Legacy – Donate Organ.”
The programme brought together students and faculty representatives from leading nursing institutions across Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting a collective commitment towards spreading awareness on organ donation.
The participating colleges included: Arsh Institute of Health Sciences & Technology, Khunmoh; Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Lawaypora; Ibn-Sina College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Budgam; Haneefa College of Nursing, Sopore; Ramzan College of Nursing, Pampore and SAM College of Nursing & Para-Medical Sciences, Beerwah.
Each institution was represented by its participants along with accompanying faculty representatives, making the event a vibrant platform for inter-college interaction, learning, and advocacy for organ donation.
The programme was graced by Showkat Ahmad, Assistant Director, Hospitality & Protocol Department, as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Murtuza Bukhari, Director, SAM College of Nursing & Para-Medical Sciences, presided over the function. The event was also attended by Anshu Sharma, I/C Media, SOTTO J&K; Nisha Kumari, Program Assistant, SOTTO J&K; and Dr. Irfan Lone, Transplant Coordinator, SOTTO J&K, who sensitized the participants about the importance of organ donation and the role of public awareness in increasing donor registrations.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Murtuza Bukhari emphasized that organ donation is among the greatest acts of humanity, stating that while people leave behind memories, organ donors leave behind the gift of life. He encouraged students to become ambassadors of awareness and inspire their communities to support organ and tissue donation.
The resource persons from SOTTO J&K highlighted the medical, ethical, and legal aspects of organ donation, dispelled common misconceptions, and encouraged informed discussions on the subject among young healthcare professionals.
The competition showcased exceptional creativity and meaningful messages through posters prepared by students from all participating institutions. The judges appreciated the originality and depth of thought reflected in the artworks, which effectively conveyed the life-saving significance of organ donation. The winners and participants were felicitated by Assistant Director Showkat and Director Dr. Murtuza Bukhari.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Principal and Head of Department, SAM College of Nursing & Para-Medical Sciences, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to SOTTO J&K, the distinguished guests, participating colleges, faculty representatives, judges, students, and the organizing committee for making the event a grand success.
The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of SAM College of Nursing & Para-Medical Sciences and SOTTO J&K to creating greater awareness, fostering collaboration among educational institutions, and encouraging society to embrace organ donation as a lasting legacy of hope and humanity.
