A mega blood donation camp was organized at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) in Sri Vijaya Puram to mark the birthday of the Prime Minister and Vishwakarma Jayanti. The event was coordinated by the Akhil Bhartiya Terapanth Yuvak Parishad in association with the National Service Scheme unit of JNRM and witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and community members.
The camp was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor D.K. Joshi, who lit the traditional lamp and acknowledged the efforts of the Parishad in promoting voluntary blood donation. He pointed out that the Parishad has previously earned a place in the World Book of Records for collecting more than 2.5 lakh units of blood in a single day, describing such contributions as extraordinary and impactful.
During the programme, Joshi emphasized the importance of blood donation, noting that while there are many forms of charity, giving blood is unique because it directly saves lives. He described it as the “most precious gift of life,” highlighting its significance for society.
The event was attended by senior officials including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Chanchal Yadav, Health Secretary Richa, and representatives of the Administration. Technical support for the camp was provided by the Blood Centre of G.B. Pant Hospital and the Andaman and Nicobar AIDS Control Society, ensuring that every donation met required medical standards. Donors were screened for eligibility before participation, and certificates of appreciation were presented to all who contributed.
A total of 81 individuals successfully donated blood during the camp. Organizers noted that while the number may appear modest in comparison to national records, each unit of blood collected adds vital support to hospitals that often face shortages, particularly during emergencies.
The camp began with a welcome address by Mahender Marlecha, coordinator of the Akhil Bhartiya Terapanth Yuvak Parishad, who thanked volunteers and participants for joining the cause. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Kandimuthu, Assistant Professor and NSS Coordinator at JNRM, who underlined the importance of integrating such voluntary services into student life.
The camp not only celebrated the Prime Minister’s birthday but also reinforced the significance of voluntary service as a civic responsibility. For many students participating, it was their first experience of donating blood, making the event a milestone in awareness and youth engagement. Organizers expressed hope that such camps would encourage more residents to come forward for regular blood donation, thereby strengthening the island’s health system.
By combining the cultural significance of Vishwakarma Jayanti with the service-oriented ethos of blood donation, the Parishad and NSS successfully created a platform for community service and social responsibility. The event showcased how collective participation can transform symbolic celebrations into life-saving contributions.
