Mysuru Officer's Lifelong Commitment to Blood Donation Crosses 100 Mark
In an inspiring tale of dedication, a KPTCL officer from Mysuru city has achieved the rare milestone of donating blood more than 100 times, a feat that stands out even among regular donors. This remarkable journey, spanning nearly four decades, underscores the power of personal motivation in humanitarian efforts.
Personal Tragedy Fuels a Lifelong Mission
The officer, T Tyagaraju, 56, a resident of KRS Road, was inspired to begin donating blood after a heartbreaking incident decades ago. His aunt passed away in Tumakuru due to the unavailability of blood during a critical moment, a time when awareness about voluntary blood donation was minimal and blood banks were scarce, mostly limited to district headquarters.
"I asked many who were present during my aunt's death why they didn't donate blood. That was when I realised that awareness level was very low. So I decided to take up this task," Tyagaraju told TOI, highlighting how this personal loss ignited his commitment to saving lives.
From Newspaper Appeals to Regular Donations
Tyagaraju, who holds a B-positive blood group, made his first donation in 1987 while pursuing his diploma. He recalls how, in earlier days, people in need of blood for relatives would publish requests in newspapers. As an avid newspaper reader, he would respond to these appeals by visiting hospitals to donate blood, turning this act into a regular practice.
Over the years, his job with KPTCL, which involves frequent transfers across the state, allowed him to donate blood to patients in various government hospitals. He has maintained a consistent schedule for the past 15 years, donating blood four times annually, and recently reached a total of 103 donations.
Expanding Impact Through Advocacy and Writing
Beyond his personal donations, Tyagaraju has been actively involved in organising blood donation camps to encourage voluntary participation. His efforts have not gone unnoticed; SE Girish, trustee of Jeevadhara Blood Bank, praised him as one of their most regular and committed donors, noting a post-Covid increase in voluntary donations driven by passionate individuals like Tyagaraju.
Devendra Parihariya, 36, founder of the Blood On Call Club Mysuru and a businessman, added that Tyagaraju is the only person in Mysuru known to have donated blood more than 100 times, making his achievement truly exceptional.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Tyagaraju is also a writer, having authored 15 Kannada books, showcasing his multifaceted contributions to society.
A Beacon of Hope and Awareness
Tyagaraju's story serves as a powerful reminder of the critical need for blood donation and the impact one individual can have. His journey from a personal tragedy to a century of donations highlights the importance of raising awareness and fostering a culture of voluntary giving, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
