The recent World Blood Donor Day celebrated the selfless efforts of those who’ve saved lives by donating their precious blood. Jeeva Rakshaka Award was offered to donors who’ve given blood on more than 30 occasions. The event took place at the National Institute of Engineering, where members of the District Aids Prevention and Control Unit, the Lions Blood Centre Jeevadhara and the Department of Health and Family Welfare came together. During the celebration, MLA T.S. Srivatsa spoke about blood donation being a noble act with the potential of saving a person’s life. He urged the younger generation to follow suit and get involved in this charitable act to show social commitment.
Mayor Shivakumar highlighted how blood donation was as valuable as eye donation. The demand for blood is increasing with the rise of technology and the recent pandemic only magnified it further. Blood donors have been contributing to an excellent service and their efforts must be continued. The Medical Officer of K.R. Hospital Blood Bank, Dr. Manjunath, created awareness of the benefits of blood donations.
Among the recipients of the Jeeva Rakshaka Award were M.P. Keshav Gowda, Nanjunda Swamy, Medha, Ananya Prabhu, Girija Patil, P. Harish, Masaram Mali, Gopal, S. Ramachandra, Shivakumar Hanji, and Suhas. Felicitation was also given to R. Jagadish and Nagaraj, the Senior General Manager and Assistant Manager, respectively, of JK Tyre & Industries Ltd, and Latha Omprakash, Senior Manager of L&T Technology Services. Anand Mandoth and Devendra Parihariya, founders of the Blood on Call Club, were also felicitated for organizing numerous blood donation camps.
DAPCU Officer Dr. Mohammed Siraj Ahmed, Director of Jeevadhara Blood Bank Girish and Muthanna, Vice-Principal of NIE Dr. M.S. Ganesh Prasad, Rashmi, Mamatha, Suresh, and Ajay Shastri also attended the event.
Srivatsa called on the State Government to consider subsidizing blood donors’ efforts and give them priority in facilities. The donors’ contribution during the recent pandemic was lauded, and people were encouraged to take part in blood donations. The benefits of donating blood cannot be overstated, and it remains essential in sustaining life. This year’s World Blood Donor Day was a celebration of true heroes who continue to make a meaningful contribution to society.
