Jammu, March 26;
In a historic move toward advancing medical education and research, the Department of Anatomy at AIIMS Jammu organized the institution’s first-of-its-kind Body Donation Awareness Programme. The event aimed to debunk myths surrounding cadaveric donation and inspire the public to contribute to the “highest form of service to humanity.”
“A Cornerstone of Medical Education”
Addressing a large gathering, Prof. (Dr.) D.N. Sharma, Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu, lauded the Anatomy Department for bringing this critical subject into the public eye.
“Body donation is a selfless act that forms the very foundation of medical training,” Dr. Sharma stated. “Hands-on learning through cadaveric dissection is what gives our future doctors the competence and confidence required for safe clinical practice.”
He further highlighted that these donations are not just for students but are vital for advanced surgical training and groundbreaking research, which directly translates to improved patient care and a more robust healthcare system.
Bridging Heritage and Science
Dr. Shalika Sharma, Officiating Head of the Department of Anatomy, connected the initiative to India’s cultural roots of supreme sacrifice. She emphasized that the programme aims to:
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Dispel Misconceptions: Addressing religious and social taboos.
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Encourage Voluntary Participation: Inviting citizens to leave a lasting legacy.
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Shape Skilled Doctors: Ensuring future generations of physicians have the best possible training tools.
Creative Outreach: Nukkad Natak & Pledges
To make the message resonate with the general public, first-year MBBS students performed an energetic Nukkad Natak (street play). The performance creatively tackled common myths and answered frequently asked questions about what happens after a body is donated.
The department also distributed informational brochures and pledge forms, allowing inspired attendees to sign up for voluntary donation on the spot.
The Team Behind the Milestone
The successful execution of the event was led by Dr. Shalika Sharma and her dedicated team, including:
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Associate Professors: Dr. Reeha Mahajan and Dr. Sushant Swaroop Das.
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Assistant Professors: Dr. Harsimranjit Singh, Dr. Sanjay Rampravesh Mishra, Dr. M. Ramkumar, and Dr. Monali Hiwarkar.
As AIIMS Jammu continues to grow as a center of excellence, this initiative marks a pivotal step in fostering a culture of voluntary donation in the region, ensuring that the gift of life continues through the gift of knowledge.
