Students, parents, and teachers unite for a life-saving cause

Blood donation in India is vital to save lives during accidents, surgeries, and medical emergencies. With a large population and frequent shortages, voluntary blood donation ensures timely treatment. Keeping this focus in mind, Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, organised a blood donation camp through its Interact Club; an initiative that highlighted the power of awareness, service, and community participation.

The school Principal, Ms Vandana Bansal, said, “Such initiatives help inculcate in students the values of empathy, responsibility, and social consciousness, teaching them that meaningful change begins with informed action. This collaborative effort reinforces the spirit of service and strengthens the bond between the school and the wider community. I appreciate the Interact Club and our parents for their enthusiastic involvement and support.”

Doctors, nurses, and staff from the Rotary Blood Bank were present to guide and support the donors. Sharing important dos and don’ts, Dr Rutri explained that donors must be healthy and meet eligibility criteria. Blood can generally be donated every three to four months. The eligible age range is 18 to 65 years, with first-time donors usually allowed up to 55 years.

Students played a vital role by spreading awareness. Speaking about why they decided to volunteer, Ivan Dixit, a Class VI student, said, “Every person deserves a full and healthy life. By donating blood, we can encourage others to come forward and help those who are in need.”

Another Class VI student, Unnati Singh, shared, “Blood donation is a noble cause. It is important to make others understand that it can save lives and give someone another chance to live,” she said.

Uday Batra, also from Class VI, said that he decided to volunteer because he already knew about blood donation and its importance. “I felt it was a good opportunity to support this cause and help in any way I could,” he stated.

Teachers, staff, alumni, and parents came forward in large numbers to voluntarily donate blood. Their enthusiastic participation resulted in the collection of 35 units of blood (1 unit of blood is approximately 350–450 ml), reflecting a shared sense of responsibility and compassion toward the community.

Parents spoke with conviction about the importance of voluntary blood donation, reinforcing the collective spirit that defined the camp. The responses highlighted a strong sense of awareness and compassion.

Deepak Kumar, parent of a Class V student, shared that he chose to donate blood after learning about its health benefits, including regulating cholesterol levels. Encouraging others, he said, “There is no need to fear the process, as a simple act of donation can help save lives.”

Ms Upasana Chopra, PGT Biology and Head of the Science Department, shared that she is a regular blood donor because it gives her great satisfaction, knowing that someone benefits. “Blood donation is simple and safe, and there is no need to be afraid. Even the pinprick is minor, no more than a mosquito bite,” she explained.

Sharing a similar sentiment, Tanuja Raj, PRT, Class I, said, “I am a little scared of needles, but once I begin, it feels fine. This is my second year donating blood. To those who are afraid, I’d simply say: Dar ke aage jeet hai.”

Twenty-one-year-old alumnus, Eks Singh Bhui, who was donating blood for the first time, shared, “It has been a truly rewarding experience. I would encourage the younger generation to donate regularly, as advised by doctors, since it not only helps others but also benefits one’s health.”

Parents spoke with conviction about the importance of voluntary blood donation. Kangana Sharma, a parent of a Class V student, shared that she chose to donate blood, as it is a meaningful cause. “The school’s initiative is commendable, and I encourage parents not to be afraid; blood donation purifies the body and helps save lives,” she shared.

Tuebith Marak, parent of a Class X student, said, “After donating blood, I felt better and more positive. There is no justification for fear, as blood donation benefits one’s health and helps those in need, especially during accidents and medical emergencies.”

Niranjan Mitra, parent of a Class IV student, said, “I am a regular blood donor and have been associated with donation camps since my school and university days. I believe nothing is more noble than donating blood. There is no need to fear it, as anyone may need blood at any time.”

Some willing donors were unable to donate due to medical reasons identified during the screening process. One such parent was Swati Gupta, whose child is in Class VIII. “I came forward with the intention of donating blood, but unfortunately, I could not donate due to a low blood count identified during the screening. Although I was disappointed, I understand that these checks are necessary to ensure the safety of all concerned.”

Overall, the blood donation camp at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, stood as a powerful example of service and community spirit, reinforcing the message that small voluntary actions can collectively make a life-saving impact.