Donor Felicitation World kidney day 2026

Celebrating the Gift of Life: 500+ Donors and Recipients Gather for 5th Annual Kidney Donor Felicitation in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJI NAGAR — On February 22nd, 2026, the spirit of selfless giving took center stage as over 500 kidney donors and transplant recipients gathered to celebrate the 5th consecutive year of the region’s most unique and popular community event.
Organized ahead of World Kidney Day, this annual get-together has become a beacon of hope and a vital support hub for the transplant community. The event was a joint initiative by Dr. Barnela Kidney Care, Oriion Citicare Hospital, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and the Help Assist Foundation.
A Commitment to Long-term Care
Beyond celebration, the event served as a comprehensive health clinic. Every donor in attendance underwent a detailed health check-up and medical investigations.
Dr. Shriganesh Barnela and his dedicated team provided personalized counseling sessions focusing on:
* Post-donation kidney health and monitoring.
* Specialized dietary guidelines.
* Lifestyle modifications to ensure long-term wellness.
> “It is my professional and personal responsibility to ensure the health of these heroes for years to come,” stated Dr. Barnela. “This annual event is our commitment to monitoring their well-being and thanking them for their incredible sacrifice.
Science Meets Spirituality
The 2026 program featured a profound keynote by Prominent Guru Shri Prakashnand Giri Maharaj, who spoke on the intersection of science and spirituality. He emphasized that while medical science provides longevity, spirituality ensures that life is lived with peace, leaving the audience feeling deeply blessed.
Advocating for Organ Donation
The event also highlighted the urgent need for both living and deceased organ donation:
* Dr. Vivek Kute (Treasurer and Past President of the Indian Society of Organ Transplant) emphasized the critical role of NOTTO and the life-saving impact of deceased organ donation.
* Dr. Shriganesh Barnela shared insights on the safety and importance of living donations, debunking myths and encouraging the community to support those who give the gift of life.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The felicitation was graced by several prominent leaders and medical professionals:
* Shri Rajesh Tope, Ex-Health Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra
* Shri Sameer Rajurkar, Honorable Mayor of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar
* Dr. Shivaji Sukare, Dean, Government Medical College
* Dr. Anupam Takalkar, President, IMA CSN  & Dr. Yogesh Lakhas, Secretary, IMA
* Dr. Paras Mandlecha, Medical Officer, Municipal Corporation
* Dr. Ashish Deshpande, CMD, Oriion Citicare Hospital
About World Kidney Day
This local celebration in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar stands as a premier example of community-led healthcare and donor advocacy.

drbarnelakidneycare.com