Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav encouraged citizens to become regular voluntary blood donors.
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KOHIMA — The early observance of World Blood Donor Day was held at the Capital Convention Centre, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on Friday, where Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav commended the growing movement of voluntary blood donation in the state.
The programme, organised by the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) in collaboration with the Voluntary Blood Donors Association Nagaland, was held on the theme, "One drop of humanity. Give blood. Save lives."
The governor said that this year's theme reminds people that a simple act of donating blood can make the difference between life and death for someone in need.
Yadav said that the global initiative this year emphasises the importance of building a reliable and sustainable blood supply through regular, voluntary and unpaid blood donations, rather than relying only on emergency collections.
Applauding the growing movement of voluntary blood donation in Nagaland, he said that voluntary donors are the foundation of a safe and sustainable blood supply that meets the needs of patients requiring transfusions.
He also opined that he has always believed in contributing to society through simple acts of service and, over the years, has donated blood 36 times.
He also shared that he has pledged to donate his eyes so that even after his lifetime, he may continue to help others.
The governor urged youths, civil society organisations, educational institutions and all citizens to come forward and become regular voluntary blood donors, stating that every unit of blood donated is a gift of hope, compassion and life.
Dr. Margaret Yhome, Director of Nagaland State Blood Transfusion Council, highlighted the significance of World Blood Donor Day and said that the theme of the programme aims to create wider awareness of the need for safe blood for transfusion and the importance of voluntary blood donation.
In Nagaland, she said that the day is observed across the state with the purpose of creating awareness, promoting voluntary blood donation and encouraging healthy individuals to become regular voluntary blood donors.
Dr. Yhome maintained that the growing movement of voluntary blood donation in Nagaland should be sustained as voluntary blood donors are the safest donors and the foundation of sustainable blood supplies that are sufficient for the needs of all patients requiring transfusion.
She further shared that there would be year-round campaigns on VBD activities, including camps, workshops, awareness programmes and sensitisation initiatives in the state.
Kevipodi Sophie, MLA and chairman of Kohima DPDB, said that the programme was more than a health awareness campaign and was a celebration of the highest values that define human beings.
He said that voluntary blood donation reflects strong community values.
Sophie stated that blood cannot be manufactured, nor does it have a substitute, but can only come as a gift from one human being to another, making blood donation far more than a medical necessity, adding that "it is our highest civic and moral responsibility".
He maintained that development is not measured only by roads, buildings and infrastructure but by the strength of social values, compassion for the vulnerable and willingness to help those in need.
Sophie called upon youths, churches and community groups to become ambassadors of the movement.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, delivered the welcome address.