Media Release
Udupi, Jun 17: Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, observed World Blood Donor Day 2026 with a special event dedicated to recognising 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 voluntary donors whose selfless contributions save lives. This year’s theme, ‘One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives’, underscores the powerful impact of community participation and humanity in strengthening healthcare through blood donation.
The programme was inaugurated by chief guest Prof Dr Radhakrishna S Aithal, chief executive officer, Shri Sode Vadiraja Matha Educational Institutions, Bantakal. Dr Devidas S Naik, principal, MGM Evening College, Udupi, attended as the guest of honour.
Distinguished attendees included Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, COO, Teaching Hospitals, MAHE; Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent; Dr Ganesh Mohan, head of the Blood Centre and department of transfusion medicine; and Dr Shamee Shastry, professor, department of transfusion medicine.
In his keynote address, Prof Dr Radhakrishna S Aithal appreciated voluntary blood donors and organisers for their selfless contribution to society. He highlighted that blood donation is one of the most meaningful acts of service and encouraged educational institutions and communities to actively participate in creating awareness and promoting regular voluntary blood donation. He emphasised that collective social responsibility and compassion can significantly strengthen healthcare services and save countless lives.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Devidas S Naik stressed the importance of creating sustained awareness among youth regarding blood donation. He encouraged students and citizens to adopt blood donation as a regular social responsibility and noted that voluntary donors play an indispensable role in ensuring timely medical care and supporting patients in critical need.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, emphasised that blood donation continues to be a shared global responsibility across all nations. He noted that many countries around the world have built a strong culture of regular voluntary blood donation but there is a need to focus more on expanding awareness and encouraging community participation in Asian and African countries. He encouraged individuals, especially the younger generation, to adopt voluntary blood donation as a regular social commitment and contribute towards building a healthier and more compassionate society.
Over 80 organizations and donors, including top blood donors, organisers of the highest number of blood donation camps, motivators, and organisers, were felicitated for their outstanding commitment and service towards voluntary blood donation.
Special recognition and awards were also presented for:
• Best technical staff – Blood Centre (Dr Satish Shetty Charitable Trust Award)
• Best non-technical staff – Blood Centre (Dr Satish Shetty Charitable Trust Award)
As part of the observance, a canvas painting aimed at creating awareness on blood donation was unveiled in the morning at the Kasturba Hospital OPD. The artwork was created by Srinath Manipal, artist, department of community medicine, and served as a visual reminder of the importance of voluntary blood donation and community participation in saving lives.
Dr Shamee Shastry welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the programme. Dr Ganesh Mohan delivered the vote of thanks, and Vishwesh N was the master of ceremony for the event.