International Jai Shri Jagannath Blood Donation Day Celebrated
Date: 14.04.2024 (Sunday):
On the occasion of Odia New Year and Mahabishuba Sankranti, a blood donation camp was organized at Town Hall, Puri by the International Council for Education, Employment & Empowerment and the Institute of Digital Media Technology. The main objective of the camp was to address the shortage of blood in blood banks, especially during the intense summer season, said Pradeep Tripathy, Chief Executive Officer of the organizing institution.
A total of 36 units of blood were collected during the camp. The camp was managed by Padma Lochan Mahapatra, the chief coordinator of the event, in collaboration with the Cuttack branch of Indian Red Cross Society.
Dignitaries present at the event included Rajya Sabha MP Subhashish Khuntia, Vice-Chancellor of Jagadguru Kripalu University Dr. Anil Bajpai, former administrator Madhusudan Mishra, Secretary of Shrimandir Paika Nijoga Shri Neelamani Guru, founder of Chidananda World Peace Foundation Swami Brahmanishthananda Saraswati, Dr. Jagabandhu Mishra, Gauri Shankar Singhari, and senior social worker Badri Mishra.
During the ceremony, Dr. Binayak Prusty (BVO, Red Cross Cuttack Branch) and Dr. Bikash Prasad, a senior healthcare specialist, were felicitated for their significant contributions to the field of health services.
The dignitaries and members of the organizing committee collectively appealed to observe the day as “International Jai Shri Jagannath Blood Donation Day” every year going forward.
Despite scientific advancements, no substitute for blood has been invented yet. Quoting the phrase, “God resides in humanity, and serving people is the highest form of worship,” Mr. Tripathy urged that every person should donate blood at least twice a year.
He emphasized that blood donation not only helps save a life but is also a noble act leading to spiritual merit and divine grace, making it one of the highest forms of service to mankind.
