“Until the will to donate is alive, no one sleeps hungry or hopeless” began renowned actor, director and co-founder of the Naam Foundation, Makarand Anaspure, as he opened the Kojagiri Pournima celebration, “Kojagiri - Kon Jagrut Aahe?”, held at the Kavikulaguru Kalidas Auditorium, Persistent Systems, IT Park. The annual event, jointly organised by Om Charitable Trust and Omega Hospitals, entered its eleventh year this evening, drawing Nagpur’s citizens together in the gentle light of the full moon to celebrate the theme, Donation and the importance of donation. Anaspure spoke with deep emotion about the birth of the Naam Foundation, recalling how the 2014 drought and the rising wave of farmers’ suicides in Marathwada and Vidarbha shook him to his core. “Nana Patekar called me one day and said he couldn’t bear to see farmers in such pain.

 

He suggested we start a foundation to help them, but that we donate anonymously. That’s how ‘Naam’ came into existence in 2015.” His words set a deeply reflective tone for the evening, reminding everyone that generosity shines brightest when it asks for nothing in return. Among the evening’s inspiring voices were Dr Kishore and Dr Lata Mohril, whose story of kidney donation captivated the audience. “It started as a simple vacation conversation about giving back,” shared Dr Kishore. “We both felt moved to donate our kidneys. As doctors, we knew the body could survive with one kidney, but convincing others was not easy. Many thought we were being forced. We knew, however, that it was divine intervention guiding us. We trusted that God would see us through.” Their selflessness, rooted in faith and science, left many in the audience visibly emotional. Adding a scientific and social dimension, Dr Chaitanya Shembekar reflected on the importance of body donation.

 

He recalled how, during his medical studies, some students fainted or even gave up after encountering cadavers. “Today, there are more colleges but fewer body donors. Despite awareness, misconceptions still persist. Body donation is one of the highest forms of charity, it gives life to learning.” His appeal resonated strongly, highlighting how donation sustains not only individuals but entire systems of knowledge. In his closing message, Makarand Anaspure returned to the essence of the evening. “Nana Patekar always says the spirit of donation must begin within us, only then can we inspire others to give. Cinema can spread awareness, but it cannot change people. Change begins with the will of an individual.” The event also honoured citizens who have upheld the spirit of generosity in their respective fields. Sachin and Bhagyashree Deshpande of Abhyuday Global Village School were recognised for their remarkable contributions to education. Madhav Shembekar, Manager of Ankur Seed Company, was applauded for his extensive charitable work through CSR initiatives.

 

Dr Dhananjay Bokare received appreciation for his pioneering efforts in kidney transplant surgery, while Dr Sanjay Devtale and Dr Deepak Sane were commended for their dedication to blood and organ donation. The couple Arun and Anagha Vekhande, founders of Daan Paavla Ho Foundation, were celebrated for their relentless campaigns promoting organ donation awareness. Renuka Deshkar compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks. The evening ended with a collective pledge to keep the flame of ‘daan’ burning. From Paayasdaan to Pasayadaan, Nagpur once again proved that true wealth lies not in possession, but in the will to give.