Hubballi: As the world observes Blood Donor Day on Sunday, a select group of individuals from North Karnataka proudly celebrate donating blood over 100 times. Despite relatively low donor numbers in the region, these individuals have become role models, inspiring greater participation in voluntary blood donation drives. Their dedication is crucial in raising awareness about the importance of regular blood donation and supporting patients in need.
Basavanada Mahaswamiji: 112 Donations
Basavanada Mahaswamiji, 54, the seer of Sri Guru Basava Mahamane in Managundi, will donate blood for the 112th time on Sunday, coinciding with World Blood Donor Day. He told TOI that a devotee motivated him to start donating blood about 22 years ago. "We had visited our devotee Adikeshava's house in Davanagere for a pooja. During an interaction, he said he had donated blood 98 times and was motivated by his parents. We then understood the importance of blood donation and took it up. We feel proud to help humankind," he shared.
Karabasappa Gondi: Over 200 Donations
Karabasappa Gondi, 36, a police constable in Akki Alur, has donated whole blood 17 times, single donor platelets (SDP) 181 times, and white blood cells (WBC) once over the past 16 years. He has formed a blood donors' group and organized 189 blood donation camps, collecting over 8,500 units of blood. He also played a key role in arranging blood donation between two dogs to save others during health emergencies. He is believed to be the first Karnataka police constable to donate blood 200 times.
Sandeep Sabharwal: 104 Donations
Sandeep Sabharwal, 56, a Hubballi-based startup co-founder, has donated blood 104 times, including whole blood 74 times and SDP 30 times. "I started donating blood in 1987-88. I experienced a divine moment when my 84-year-old mother received four units of A-negative blood within 5-6 hours in Mumbai in 2015. My family shares this rare group. We feel joy whenever we donate," he said.
Raghavendra Benake: 116 Donations
Raghavendra Benake, 48, a businessman, recalls what led him to donate blood regularly. "In college, I avoided a blood donation camp out of fear, but friends forced me to participate. Later, I saw a woman crying for blood for her son at a hospital. That moment changed me, and I began donating 3-4 times a year," he said. He has donated blood 116 times, including 25 SDP donations since 1998-99.
Anil Barangal: 109 Donations
Anil Barangal, a private employee in Davanagere, said his journey began after a midnight request for blood in 1997. "A child needed blood and though we initially refused, we later rushed to the hospital and my brother donated. That incident convinced us about its importance," he said. Anil has donated blood 109 times, including 12 SDP donations.
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