In this village, donating is in their blood

In Dholakua village, just 17 km from the state capital, Gandhinagar, a unique tradition thrives. That of giving life to others by donating blood. Every year, villagers of Dholakua start their new year with donating blood.

There are more than 300 blood donors in this tiny village. On October 31, Red Cross Society, Ahmedabad, collected 85 bottles of blood from this village on the third day of Gujarati new year.

"Blood donation is in our blood. Everybody in this village donates blood and they are happy that he or she is a regular blood donor. It is a matter of great honour. Even women are encouraged to donate blood. There are 30 women blood donors in this village," says Raman Patel, a farmer-turned-businessman who has donated blood 103 times till date. Patel, 57, started donating blood way back in 1982 and still continues. An SSC passout, Patel has been source of inspiration for villagers as he has played a major role in organising blood donation camps in the village. His wife Kantaben and 10 other family members have also been donating blood.

"Earlier, we used to go to Ahmedabad to for blood donation. But from 1985, we started organising blood donation camps in village itself as more people joined us in the movement. People from neighbouring villages have also seen us donating blood. So, now they know that there is nothing wrong in this and it has helped to erase peoples misconceptions about blood donation," adds Patel. "Every time, I donate blood I feel very happy that I have done something which helps during emergencies at hospitals. Even during the agricultural season, I do not miss blood donation. In a way, we are part of saving others lives," says Amrut Patel. Patel has donated blood 25 times. His two sons also donate blood. Getting inspired by the gesture of Dholakua residents, people from neighbouring villages have also joined hands. "We counsel our relatives and friends to donate blood. So, when we organise blood donation camps they come to our village," says Iswarbhai Patel, 63.

Villagers also encourage people to donate blood by giving gifts to the donor every time. Like on October 31, Iswarbhai gifted shawls to every blood donor. "Blood donation is allowed only up to the age of 60. So, I cant donate blood anymore. But, I can surely encourage by gifting to blood donors," adds Patel.