“I’ve always been passionate about helping others right from my childhood. When I was a teenager, I began volunteering for several NGOs and soon discovered the vital role of blood donations.

When I was pursuing my Graduation, a blood donation camp was set up on my college campus. I saw this as a chance to make a real difference and decided to go for it. As I sat down to donate, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension, but mostly a sense of purpose. Learning that a single donation could save up to three lives in emergencies sparked a strong desire within me to contribute to this noble cause.

After that, I made it a regular thing. I started donating blood every few months with over 15 blood donations so far. Each time, I felt grateful and fulfilled. Through volunteering, I learned about Thalassemia patients who need regular blood transfusions to manage their condition. Their stories touched my heart and made me even more committed to donating blood. I worked with several organizations like Youth For Seva to organize donation drives and spread awareness about the importance of blood donation.

This World Thalassemia Day, I’m reminded why I started doing this in the first place – to make a difference. With each blood donation, I’m humbled by the impact it can have. I hope to continue inspiring others to join me in this cause, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion. Together, we can build a lifeline of hope for those who need it most.”

• Dheeraj Muramshetti