Blood donation drive held at vet varsity

The NSS wing of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University organised a blood donation drive during the Pashu Palan Mela, contributing to a meaningful cause. The drive was inaugurated by Dr JPS Gill, vice chancellor of the university, who highlighted the health benefits of blood donation. He explained that donating blood stimulates the production of new blood cells, which can improve circulation and overall cardiovascular health.

Dr Archu from Civil Hospital, Jagraon, emphasised the need for regular donations throughout the year, stating that the limited shelf life of collected blood requires a consistent supply to maintain a self-sufficient and resilient transfusion service.

Dr Nidhi Sharma, assistant director of Publications and NSS programme coordinator, informed that the NSS unit also organised a poster-making competition themed ‘Donate Blood, Save Lives’. NSS volunteers displayed these posters to motivate farmers attending the mela to donate blood.

Dr Narender Kumar and Dr SS Hassan, NSS programme officers, mentioned that the NSS volunteers also set up a non-stop ‘chabeel’ (water distribution service) for mela visitors, offering refreshments.

Dr Sarvpreet Singh Ghuman, director of Students’ Welfare, praised the NSS volunteers for embodying the university’s motto, ‘Not Me But You,’ and exemplifying selfless service.

Devinder Singh Lotey, assistant director of the Department of Youth Services, Ludhiana, spoke about the importance of Red Ribbon Clubs in promoting voluntary blood donations and empowering youth as change agents.

In total, 80 units of blood were collected during the Pashu Palan Mela, as reported by Satinder Singh Bhandal and Manjit Singh from the Youth Services Club, Samrala.