North Karnataka Heroes: Donating Blood Over 100 Times

In North Karnataka, World Blood Donor Day is being celebrated with particular admiration for individuals who have donated blood over 100 times. These dedicated donors are emerging as crucial role models, significantly boosting voluntary blood donation awareness and providing vital support to patients. Their unwavering commitment ensures a steady supply of blood for those in need.

Among these inspiring figures is Basavanada Mahaswamiji, a 54-year-old seer, who reached his 112th blood donation on Sunday. Inspired by a devotee over 22 years ago, he now finds profound pride in aiding humanity. Karabasappa Gondi, a 36-year-old police constable, has an even more extensive record, including 17 whole blood donations and 181 single donor platelets over 16 years. He has also organized 189 blood donation camps, accumulating over 8,500 units of blood, and is recognized as the first Karnataka police constable to donate blood 200 times.

Sandeep Sabharwal, a 56-year-old startup co-founder from Hubballi, has donated blood 104 times since the late 1980s. His motivation intensified in 2015 when his mother received essential A-negative blood, a rare group shared by his family. Businessman Raghavendra Benake, 48, a regular donor since his college days, was profoundly affected by witnessing a mother's distress over needing blood for her son, leading him to donate 116 times. Anil Barangal, a private employee, began his donation journey in 1997 after a midnight plea for blood for a child, inspiring his family to contribute, with Anil himself donating 109 times.