Bhatkal: “The need for blood is continuous, and every donation can help save three lives,” said S. Jayakar Shetty, President of the Indian Red Cross Society, Kundapur, while inaugurating a blood donation camp at Sri Guru Sudhindra Degree College (SGS College). The camp was organized in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Bhatkal, Youth Red Cross, NSS, Unnata Bharata Abhiyana, and HDFC Bank.

Emphasizing the importance of voluntary blood donation, Shetty said it is one of the greatest contributions to society, as every drop of donated blood can help save patients undergoing surgeries, those suffering from chronic illnesses, and individuals requiring emergency medical care.

Vani Bhat, Operations Manager at HDFC Bank, highlighted the bank’s corporate social responsibility initiative, stating that India requires an average of 38,000 units of blood every day. She noted that under its CSR programme, HDFC Bank has been implementing the ‘Parivartan’ campaign since 2007 to help meet this demand.

The programme was chaired by Dr. Suresh V. Nayak, President of Bhatkal Education Trust, who congratulated the organizers for the successful conduct of the camp. On the occasion, social worker and prominent Rotarian Nazir Kashimji, who has donated blood more than 35 times, was felicitated.

Among those present were Satyanarayana Puranik, Secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society, Kundapur Unit; Rajesh Nayak, Trustee Manager of Bhatkal Education Trust; college principal Srinath Pai; and teaching and non-teaching staff.

Rotaract President Neha Bhandari welcomed the gathering, while members Vinutha and Diksha Nayak proposed the vote of thanks.

A total of 47 units of blood were collected during the camp.