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Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Aug 23: The health commission of the diocese of Udupi, under the theme ‘United to save lives’, organised a blood donation camp at the Ave Maria Auditorium, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, on August 23.

The camp was inaugurated by releasing a poster ribbon carrying the message “Every blood donor is a super hero”, by dignitaries present.

The event was jointly organised in association with the health commission Mother of Sorrows Church, department of police Udupi District, Indian Red Cross Society Udupi district, Goretti Hospital Kallianpur, Apporva Mahasanga Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi, Blood Bank Red Cross Society Kundapura Branch, and Canara Bank Manipal.

Fr Stephen D’Souza, chancellor and diocesan coordinator of pastoral commissions, said, “Blood donation is one of the greatest gifts. The Bible teaches that sacrificing one’s life for a friend is noble. Though we may not always get such an opportunity, today we have the chance to share a part of our life through blood donation, and we must make use of it.”

Pabitra Kumar Dash, deputy general manager, Canara Bank, Circle office, Manipal, said, “It is rightly said that donating blood saves lives — even a single drop can make a difference. Canara Bank is proud to be part of this noble cause. With our roots in this region, we are always committed to contributing to the social and economic upliftment of the country, especially in Karnataka and in Udupi district.”

Jayakar Shetty, chairman, Blood Bank, Red Cross Society Kundapura Branch, said, “The Red Cross serves humanity without any discrimination. Over the past 10 years, we have organised several camps and collected more than 50,000 units of blood, which is stored and supplied whenever needed. One unit of blood can save three lives, and there is no donation greater than this. Donating blood brings joy and health benefits, with no loss to the donor.”

Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO, Udupi diocese, presiding over the event said, “There are a few things that only grow when shared — light, knowledge, and blood. Donating blood improves our health and saves lives. Blood is a uniting force; it has no caste or religion, only one colour. It is the only gift we can share while still alive. Since we pass through this world only once, we must do all the good we can today, for tomorrow is never guaranteed.”

Ragavendra Prabhu, blood donor said, “Blood donation is a noble act. It cannot be bought in the market — only humans can give it. A single unit of blood can save three lives, and Udupi is rightly called the ‘district of blood donors’ because people here voluntarily come forward. I have donated 72 times, and every donation inspires me to do it again. Blood donation also benefits our health; men can donate once in three months and women once in four months. We must do good while we are alive.”

Devadas Patkar, blood donor, said, “The youth must come forward to donate blood and save lives. I have been donating for 35 years, with over 70 donations and around 30 camps organised in the district. By donating blood, we not only give life to others but also become healthier ourselves.”

A creative model, depicting a patient receiving blood and coming back to life, presented by students of St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady, under the guidance of principal Fr Vijay J D’Souza, was inaugurated on the occasion.

On this occasion, Devadas Patkar for donating blood 75 times and Raghavendra Prabhu for donating blood 72 times, were felicitated.

Price distribution for the drawing competition, held as part of the camp at St Mary’s Kannada Medium High School and St Mary’s English Medium High School Udupi was held on the occasion.

Dr Ganapathy Yekkar, secretary, Red Cross Udupi District, introduced the facilitators to the gathering.

Dr Edward Lobo, director health commission welcomed the gathering. Glady Saldanha, convenor health commission delivered the vote of thanks. Halida Cornelio, programme convener and member of the health commission gave an introductory note. Dr Sony D’Costa, member health commissioner compered the event.

Parish priest Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi Fr Charles Menezes, administrator Goretti Hospital Kallianpur Sr Zarina Lobo, president Apoorva Maha Sangha Sumana Barboza, police officers, and others were present on the occasion.