Jacob Hembrom SJ
Today, science, technology and moreover medicine have developed to the extent that we can easily transfuse the donated blood into the body system of a receiver according to needs and requirements. It is indeed a wonderful blessing to society.
For many of us, when we hear about blood donation, many questions pop-up in our minds. They include certain misconceptions too. This day is dedicated precisely for us to appreciate and honor blood donors who donate it free of cost. Such people deserve our recognition so that they become an inspiration for many others to save lives.
Blood donation makes a difference between life and death. This day provides us a platform to encourage many more donors to come forward and volunteer to give blood. Voluntary blood donors donate blood to save also the lives of accident victims or those in need of blood transfusion during surgery. Donated blood serves as ‘life’ for those who need it.
In the tribal community, especially in Santhal Pargana of Jharkhand, India, the idea of giving or sharing blood is completely alien to many. This is not a usual practice in our tribal culture.
On this auspicious day, the contribution that we can make is to make people aware of the need to donate blood so that this noble action benefits society as a whole. Indeed, this is the time to encourage our younger generation to give till it hurts.