Kolkata: Kalighat Sports Lovers Association has set a remarkable example of sustained social service through its uninterrupted 26-year journey in voluntary blood donation. What began in 1998 with just 504 voluntary donors has today evolved into a large-scale humanitarian movement, attracting an average of 2,000 to 2,500 donors at each camp.
According to club officials, the blood donation camp is traditionally held every year on January 23. However, this year, due to special circumstances, the programme will be organised on January 24 on an even larger scale. This was announced by Association Secretary Babun Banerjee at a press conference held on Friday at the Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club.
Banerjee informed that voluntary blood donors from various districts across West Bengal will participate in the camp. One of the most striking aspects of the initiative is its universal character. Transcending barriers of religion, caste and language, people from Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities come together to convey a powerful message of unity and humanity.
The organisers have clearly stated that no gifts, medals or monetary incentives are offered in exchange for blood donation. Donors are only given a certificate and light refreshments, as the organisation believes that love, compassion and human responsibility should remain the sole motivation behind this movement.
This year, medical teams from 12 departments of leading government and private hospitals will be present for blood collection. Renowned institutions such as Ruby General Hospital, Life Care, Case Cabin and RN Tagore Hospital, among others, have extended their support to the initiative.
Several eminent personalities associated with sports and social service were present at the press conference, including Wing Federation General Secretary Subhashis Mukherjee, former footballer Manas Bhattacharya, former Ranji captain Sambaran Banerjee and Ajit Banerjee, President of the Indian Football Association, along with many others.
Speakers unanimously described the blood donation camp as not merely an event, but a long-standing humanitarian movement. Appealing to the media for wider coverage, they expressed hope that greater awareness would inspire more people to come forward as voluntary blood donors.
Quoting Rabindranath Tagore’s immortal lines — “How many unknown you have made known, how many homes you have given shelter” — the organisers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding this noble blood donation movement in the years to come.
