Blood Donation Carnival 2024

“Kabhi Kisi Ke Ragoon Mein Bhi Daud Kar Dekho, Achha Lagta Hain!”

The Blood Donation Carnival took place on September 24, 2024, at The Bhawanipur Education Society College, beginning at 10 A.M. and concluding by 6 P.M. Unlike most events of its kind, this initiative is aptly termed a “carnival” rather than a mere campaign. Why? Because it transcends a typical campaign and celebrates humanity, laughter, and life. Each 350 ml of blood donated has the potential to save more than one life. The carnival was organised into two teams—Red and Blue—representing the Saroj Gupta Cancer Center & Research Institute and People’s Blood Bank, respectively. Both blood banks collaborated with Project Life Force (PLF), a non-profit organization whose motto “I am the change” resonated throughout the event. Sir Pranab Bedi, a founding member of PLF, played a pivotal role in driving mass attention towards the cause, fostering meaningful interactions, and inspiring a large number of generous donors. This is the 10th Year, PLF has been in partnership with The Bhawanipur Education Society College, reinforcing the slogan, “Every drop counts.”

The process for donors began at the college entrance, where willing participants registered and filled out forms. From there, they were ushered to the 6th floor’s Jubilee Hall, where approximately 10 doctors conducted eligibility checks, such as checking blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. After a quick glucose drink, donors moved to the Concept Hall which was the designated donation area. The certificate desk and photo booth were also set up here on the stage inside the hall. A unique and heartwarming aspect of the event was when volunteers rang bells, clapped in chorus, and cheered for the first-time donors. This gesture, accompanied by a loud “Congratulations!” from the crowd, gave the donors a sense of accomplishment and pride for their bold move towards humanity. It was a small but powerful way of recognising their contribution. The final stage of the blood donation process involved refreshments for all donors in the Inner Space area and a buffet for the hardworking volunteers in the Placement Hall. Amidst these activities, PLF volunteers also performed flash mob, along with a short enactment and energetic dance routine on the turf, drawing the audience onstage for an engaging celebration.

In addition to the NSS collective, which spearheaded the initiative, other collectives like NCC, Art-In-Me, and Enact contributed to the event’s success. The Art In Me collective also organised an art and craft competition called “BLEED RED, PAINT LIFE” with categories such as Poster Making with the theme “Woman and Blood”, Slogan Creation with the theme “Donate blood, Save Life”, and Best Out of Waste crafting with an open-ended theme; all aligning with the Blood Donation Carnival. These artworks were displayed throughout the campus, further enhancing the spirit of the carnival.

The Carnival sought a fitting end to this power-packed day with a DJ set-up on the Turf that garnered the attention of the students. At 6 P.M., the Carnival officially ended with a total of 616 donations, which was the cherry on the cake for BESC and PLF!

REPORTER: Samriddha Nandi
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Agrag Ghosh, Gourav Chowdhury, Papon Das, Sanika Shaw.