Hyderabad: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla called for expanding the blood donation movement across Telangana, urging citizens, youth, women and educational institutions to actively participate in voluntary blood donation campaigns.
The Governor made the appeal after inaugurating a voluntary blood donation camp organised by the Telangana State Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society at Sanskriti Community Hall in Lok Bhavan on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day on Sunday.
Addressing the gathering, Shukla described blood donation as the highest form of service to humanity and said there could be no greater gift than saving a life through voluntary donation. He stated that blood donation represented compassion, humanity and social responsibility, while every unit of donated blood offered hope and a chance of survival to patients in need.
The Governor said voluntary donors who come forward to help unknown recipients without expecting any reward were true heroes of society. He also noted that blood donation has long been regarded as one of the noblest forms of charity in Indian culture.
As President of the Telangana State Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society, Shukla appreciated the contribution of voluntary donors and said their efforts strengthened humanitarian values and reflected the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Blood donation movement should reach villages and youth groups
The Governor stressed that the blood donation movement should extend beyond urban centres and reach villages, towns, colleges, universities and youth organisations across the state. He urged citizens from all sections of society to make voluntary blood donation a regular practice.
Shukla also reiterated his commitment to creating a tuberculosis-free and drug-free Telangana. He said achieving these goals would require coordinated efforts from the government, voluntary organisations, educational institutions, youth groups and civil society.
Earlier in the day, the Governor flagged off a large-scale awareness rally organised by the Telangana State Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society near the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Statue on NTR Marg in Hyderabad as part of World Blood Donor Day celebrations.
The rally aimed to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and encourage greater public participation in humanitarian initiatives. Organisers said such programmes play a crucial role in ensuring an adequate supply of blood for patients and emergency medical needs.