Unsung heroes who ensure no one dies for lack of blood

Time of India

2 days ago

Lucknow: They come from all walks of life but are united by a shared commitment to saving lives through blood donation. A dedicated group of donors in Lucknow — including senior citizens, civil servants, pharmaceutical professionals, and young parents — has turned this life-saving act into a lifelong mission, returning time and again to ensure no one dies for lack of blood.
Among them is Ravindra Nath Bose, a 65-year-old resident of Nazirabad, who recently marked his 112th donation — a journey that began 42 years ago at a medical college, when a young patient urgently needed blood. "He had no family. I donated, and he survived," recalled Bose, adding that one act sparked a lifelong commitment. Since then, he has donated at both govt and private hospitals, even challenging age restrictions to continue.
"I told the doctor, a 62-year-old can still save an 8-year-old child. He allowed — and that child lived," Bose shared. For constable Shiv Kishore Pandey, 35, from Triveninagar, the inspiration came from his grandmother. "My first donation was in 2016, and since then, I have donated 54 times," he said. He recalled donating blood to a stranger from Bihar during the Covid-19 pandemic. "His family bowed in gratitude — that moment stayed with me forever," he said.
Sameer Bharadwaj, 49, a resident of Ainganj who works in pharmaceutical sales, first donated to help a relative. Inspired by the teachings of the 'Art of Living', he soon became a regular donor.
Nitin Sharma, a resident of Rae Bareli Road, began donating after witnessing the desperation during the Covid-19 crisis.
Prashant Dhawan, 40, from Ashiana, also in pharmaceutical sector, has been donating since 2018 — over 60 times, mostly platelets.
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