You can give someone a second chance at life. Here’s how

India collects around 11 million units of blood per year and needs around 15 million which is way too short for the demand. According to The Lancet Journal, the country has the world’s biggest blood shortage and its need outstrips the supply significantly.

Surely, these numbers are shocking. It calls for an urgent need to donate blood. To raise awareness regarding the same, Apeejay schools participated in an event titled ‘Blood Donation Camp and Kaleidoscope’ hosted by Rotary Club of Delhi Premier on February 25, 26 at Select City Walk, New Delhi. The programme was open to all. Students, parents, visitors, eminent members of the Rotary Club and staff from Apeejay Education were present in great numbers at the camp.

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“Community-service is a crucial aspect of education. At Apeejay, we encourage students to put their learned ideals to practice and come forward to take active responsibility for the benefit of the society. Our collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Delhi Premier raises awareness to help several social causes annually. The Blood Donation Camp and Kaleidoscope was one such and I am pleased to see that everyone stepped up to take part in the noble cause. I thank our various schools and employees for being part of it.”

-Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter at Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Chair Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Club of Delhi Premier

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Over two days, students delivered power-packed performances to pull the crowd towards the cause. The event was divided into two sections: the first for the performances comprising a live stage, and the other for the blood donation. The camp was supervised by health experts, volunteers and Apeejay staff who ensured all precautions and filtered healthy donors. After the blood donation, each donor was provided necessary refreshments.

Several donors came forward and also shared their experience at the blood donation camp. Debi Prasad, a 25-year-old student at DICE Academy says, “I came to the mall to take a break from my studies. As I saw the camp, I was happy to participate in the cause. It feels great to be able to save someone’s life through my contribution.”

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“I am proud to be part of the blood donation drive. It is a welcome initiative by the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier. This is a great opportunity for people to serve.”

–Mr Ashok Kantoor, District Governor, Rotary Club of Delhi West

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Chief People Officer at Apeejay Education, Ms Anjana Nath says, “In India, the demand of blood banks is ever-increasing. Therefore, it is our moral responsibility to take part in donating blood. I am proud to share that the entire Apeejay fraternity supported the drive.”

According to Dr Sujeet Eric Masih, Principal at Apeejay School, Saket who was present on the day, “Life is a blessing. Each one of us has an unstated responsibility towards life! So, we all should do our part and donate.” Ms Nalini Malik, a Home Science teacher in the school who donated blood says, “Who says angels live in heaven? They are amongst us as donors. I share this message with all the parents and students associated with our school and each year, we motivate them to be part of the camp.”

Interestingly, Apeejay students were seen dressed in colourful costumes throughout the day. The camp was abuzz with their vibrancy and enthusiasm. Those from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park performed a Rajasthani dance. Their eclectic moves enthralled one and all. What more? It was paired with their beautiful smiles and positive energy. Myra, a class 4 student says, “This is the first time I performed in a mall. It feels great to be able to express a story through my dance and also raise awareness for a social cause. I am happy to be here today!” She was accompanied by her best friend and fellow performer, KKashvi. Both the girls are gymnasts and performed back handsprings in a ghagra-choli on the big day!

To add to the awe, students from Apeejay School, Pitampura were present to showcase their skills and talent. The Principal of the school, Ms Veena Goel, says, “Donating blood is saving a life. I have been a regular blood donor since college and having a camp organised by Apeejay is our way of sensitising young children.”

Guided by dance teachers, Ms Bhawna Mago and Ms Manju Verma, students of Apeejay, Pitampura displayed ‘Braj ki Holi’ comprising the colourful play of Radha, Krishna and the gopis. According to students Navya and Shreya, “Ahead of the Holi festival, this is a great way to remind people about their tradition and culture. The dance is to honour the celebrations with pomp and show as it is played in the holy land of Mathura and Vrindavan.”

Next up, students from Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad Sector 21-D presented a Sambalpuri dance. Young girls were dressed in sarees whereas boys wore dhoti-kurta. On the beats of the dhol, girls tuned their feet to deliver a pulsating show. Tanishka, a class 4 student who performed says, “It was a very nice experience for me. I am fond of classical dance as well as Bollywood numbers. In about a week’s time, we prepared and showcased the number.”

Physical Education teachers at Apeejay School, Noida, Mr Akhil Tandon and Mr Digvijay Singh were volunteers of the event. They both took charge to ensure that all donors feel comfortable and welcome at the camp. Sharing some fitness mantras, Mr Tandon says, “One must exercise regularly, have a balanced diet and reduce fat, sugar intake.” The same view is held by Mr Singh, “Fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds must be part of one’s daily intake to maintain a healthy haemoglobin range.”

On the second day of the event, students of Apeejay School, Saket performed Bhangra-Gidda and the dancers flowed with freedom, expression and intense facial and body movement. The act knit mind, body, and emotions together and brought to mind the essence of Punjab.

Students from Apeejay School, Noida put forward an Assamese dance. According to Ms Manjari Rattan, a Geography teacher in the school who accompanied them, “The colourful dances created a lot of positive word of mouth for our schools. Students spread good will in the society and several visitors appreciated their talent. Besides, several parents and alumni were in attendance for the blood donation camp.” 

Apeejay School, Faridabad, Sector-15 displayed a Pahadi dance on the final day. According to an Interact Club in-charge, Ms Seema at Apeejay, Faridabad, “Donating blood is the most natural and human act. Our primary students performed at the camp to pull more and more people at the camp. Each year, we encourage parents and other stakeholders associated with Apeejay to participate in it. Further, the Interact Club in the school is active and plays a crucial role in enhancing students to take up social responsibility. In the month of April, we will also conduct an anti-tobacco drive to spread awareness in the community.”

To forge a change and be the reason for someone’s life, six Apeejay Schools in Delhi-NCR devoted their efforts at the blood donation camp this year.