Media Release
Udupi, Jun 15: Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, observed World Blood Donor Day 2025 with a special event dedicated to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of voluntary blood donors, motivators, and organisers. Celebrated annually on June 14, this global initiative highlights the critical need for safe blood and blood products while expressing gratitude to those who donate. This year’s theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” underscores the powerful impact of community participation in saving lives through blood donation.
The programme was inaugurated by chief guest Nadoja Dr G Shankar, Capt Brijesh Chowta, member of parliament, Dakshina Kannada, Yashpal Suvarna, MLA, Udupi with Dr Shrirama Rao, family welfare officer of Udupi District, serving as the guest of honour. Distinguished attendees included Dr Anil K Bhat, dean of KMC Manipal; Dr Anand Venugopal, COO, teaching hospitals, MAHE; Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent; Shyamili, Dr Ganesh Mohan, head of the blood centre; and Dr Shamee Shastry, professor, blood centre.
In his keynote address, Dr G Shankar highlighted the irreplaceable role of blood in medical care, emphasizing that “blood has no caste, no religion, and no alternative — it must be donated to those in need.” He called upon all eligible individuals to contribute regularly.
Capt Brijesh Chowta expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the donors for their noble contribution to the cause. Yashpal Suvarna emphasized the vital importance of blood donation in saving lives and urged more individuals to come forward and donate regularly.
Dr Shrirama Rao stated, “One unit of blood can save up to three lives. India currently faces a deficit of nearly one million units annually. Every two seconds, someone needs blood. If a healthy individual starts donating at 18 and donates three times a year, by the age of 60, they will have donated about 30 gallons — potentially saving over 500 lives. We must encourage regular and voluntary blood donation.”
A felicitation ceremony was held to honour regular blood donors, apheresis donors, motivators, and organisers for their outstanding commitment. Winners of the slogan writing competition, conducted for the general public, were also recognised and awarded.
Dr Ganesh Mohan welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the program. Dr Shamee Shastry delivered the vote of thanks, and Vishwesha N read out the list of awardees. Dr Deep served as the master of ceremony for the event.