SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST) commemorated World
Blood Donor Day on June 14th, 2024, by organizing a blood donation awareness
rally. This year marks the 20th anniversary of recognizing voluntary
blood donors for their life-saving contributions. The theme for 2024, "20
years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!", emphasizes the
importance of expressing gratitude to these selfless individuals.
In the lead-up to World Blood Donor Day,
the Department of Transfusion Medicine at S.R.M Medical College Hospital &
Research Centre (S.R.M. MCH & RC) held a rally on June 12th. This
initiative aimed to raise awareness about blood donation among staff and
students across the SRM campus.
The rally commenced at the SRM Tech Park
entrance, where students and faculty members from various departments gathered.
Dr. R. Raj Bharath, Professor & Head of the Department of Transfusion
Medicine and Blood Centre, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Nitin M.
Nagarkar, Dean of S.R.M. MCH & RC, emphasized the rally's significance in
promoting blood donation awareness within the community during his inaugural
address.
Dr. Venkatraman, Medical Superintendent
of S.R.M. MCH & RC, and Dr. V. Thirumurugan, Associate Director of Campus
Life, spoke about the critical role of blood transfusions in treating patients
undergoing surgeries and medical conditions. Dr. Lakshmanan, NSS
Programme Advisor, and Dr. Jagadeesh from NSS Pharmacy, highlighted the
importance of motivating students to become blood donors.
Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar flagged off the
rally at the SRM Tech Park entrance. Over 60 participants marched with
banners and placards containing blood donation slogans in both English and
Tamil to raise awareness among the student community. Volunteers wore caps and
badges emblazoned with "World Blood Donor's Day 14th June 2024."
The rally proceeded through SRM
Hospital and culminated at the SRM University building, with volunteers
enthusiastically chanting slogans that echoed the theme of World Blood Donor Day
2024. Dr. Kingsley, Associate Professor at the Department of
Transfusion Medicine and Blood Centre, delivered the vote of thanks. The event
concluded with refreshments served to the volunteers.
This blood donation awareness rally
effectively served to educate the SRM IST community about the importance of
blood donation and potentially encourage more individuals to become voluntary
blood donors.