Guest column: My journey as a blood donor

It was over 44 years ago, on October 1, 1972, that I was attending my class in DAV College, Chandigarh, when a group led by Saroop Krishen, secretary, Blood Bank Society, entered the room.

It was over 44 years ago, on October 1, 1972, that I was attending my class in DAV College, Chandigarh, when a group led by Saroop Krishen, secretary, Blood Bank Society, entered the room. “Today is blood donation day. Would you boys not like to make a gift of life?” she said. That spurred me. I said ‘yes’.

That was the beginning of a beautiful journey. I joined Krishen in this noble cause. As members of the NSS, we went around various colleges and institutions spreading the message of ‘voluntary blood donation’. And lo and behold! Chandigarh youth was most forthcoming. We students helped in organising various blood donation camps. The experience of doing something for others was exhilarating. It helped us in all-round development and positive thinking. Triloki Nath, our beloved late principal, specially used to invite us (blood donors) to his house for tea. I still remember how IK Gujral, the then our minister of state for foreign affairs, honoured us at Tagore Theatre in 1973.

I left Chandigarh to join Army in 1973 but did not leave behind blood donation. I continued doing my bit even in olive greens. In my unit, wherever posted, we volunteered to donate blood for the needy. During the World Health Day, which is religiously celebrated every year by the Station Health Organisation (SHO), an army establishment in every cantonment, we conducted voluntary donation camps. I still remember how passionately I addressed a gathering in Jodhpur in 1991, giving my personal example of health and happiness, even after donating blood for 42 times at that time. That led to spurt of voluntary donors, on the spot. Even newly married couples, some of whom had misconceptions that giving blood leads to weakness, came forward.

By now my wife, Madhu, had also joined me. She made her first donation at Happy Hours School, Jodhpur, where she was teaching. She saved the life of a school maid who was undergoing a major surgery. She found a new respectability after that. Our daughter Anusha, celebrated her 18th birthday with blood donation at PGI, Chandigarh, 14 years ago, as student of the Lady Sri Ram College, Delhi. A lawyer now, she proudly donates blood now, besides motivating her colleagues. Our son Capt Aniket, made his maiden ‘gift of life’ on August 29, 2007, when the Rotary and Blood Bank Society, Sector 37, Chandigarh, organised a camp at Army Institute of Law (AIL) Mohali. He is a regular blood donor today. Now that completed the family picture of voluntary blood donors (self 101 times, wife 35 times, daughter 12 times, and son roaring for a seventh donation).

Being a B (Negative), I keep answering the distress calls. We help anyone who approaches us to save a life. At Leh a few years back, we went around the villages to motivate the people to save a life. At my own village, Pillimandori (Fatehabad), my wife and self donated blood in a camp organised by the Youth Club, with Pt Jasraj as the chief guest, and the villagers willingly followed suit. It was a great success.

Each one of us, who is healthy and between 18 to 65 years of age, can save one life every three months. Then why are we shy or afraid of donating blood? Some people have misconception about donating blood. They think it will make them weak. Newly married are particularly prone to this feeling. It is not so. Donating blood is absolutely safe, healthy, and soul enriching. So, think. If we can make voluntary blood donation a habit, will it not unite the whole nation in one red thread? Will it not save hundreds of lives every day who die due to contaminated or lack of blood? Will it not save poor people from running from pillar to post or paying through their nose. Let’s stop fighting in the name of religion and shedding blood of hatred. Let’s spread love and brotherhood, and be tied together by the thread of blood.

ripu_d2003@yahoo.co.in