Sudam Babu | State Bureau Chief Odisha

Boudh, Odisha: A large-scale voluntary blood donation camp organised in Boudh district under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan-2026 witnessed an encouraging response from the local community, with donors contributing a total of 300 units of blood.

The programme was organised by the Junior Red Cross Society at Government Nodal High School, Jhanapanka, under Boudh Block. The initiative was held in connection with National Voluntary Blood Donation Day-2026 and aimed to promote awareness about voluntary blood donation and its importance in saving lives during medical emergencies.

District Education Officer Temlal Dubey presided over the programme. Boudh Collector Bibhuti Bhushan Nayak attended the event as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the camp by hoisting the Junior Red Cross flag.

Addressing the participants, the Collector encouraged teachers, parents and members of the public to make voluntary blood donation a regular form of community service. He highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate blood supplies for patients requiring emergency treatment and urged people to contribute whenever medically eligible.

A number of senior district officials and education department representatives were present during the programme. Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Mina, Chief District Medical Officer Dr. Mahendra Kumar Sahu, District Information and Public Relations Officer Bidyapati Panda, Additional District Education Officers Chudamani Barik and Bhaskar Lenka, and other officials attended the event and appreciated the donors for their contribution.

Representatives from different blocks of the district, including education officials from Harabhanga, Boudh and Kantamal, also participated in the programme. Their presence reflected the coordinated involvement of the education administration and Junior Red Cross network in promoting voluntary blood donation.

A medical team from the district health system managed the blood collection process. The team included doctors, medical officers, blood bank personnel, counsellors, laboratory technicians, nursing officers and support staff. Their coordinated efforts helped ensure that the donation process was conducted systematically throughout the camp.

Silpanjali Hota from Kamira village became the first donor at the camp. Women also participated actively in the donation drive. The programme witnessed several instances of family members donating blood together, highlighting the community-oriented nature of the initiative.

Among the participants were District Education Officer Temlal Dubey and his wife Neha Dubey, Additional District Education Officer Chudamani Barik and Pankajini Barik, Lalit Meher and Poonam Meher of Kanakpur, teachers from Jagati High School and Badakhaligaon Upper Primary School, representatives of Mendhimala High School, Upgraded Government High School and Gandharadhi Higher Secondary School.

The participation of teachers, education officials, parents, school staff and local residents added a strong community dimension to the campaign. Their collective contribution helped the organisers achieve the target of 300 units.

The donors were recognised for their voluntary service during the programme. Appreciation certificates and gifts were presented to participants as a gesture of gratitude. All 300 donors received certificates acknowledging their contribution to the blood donation drive.

The organisers also recognised individuals who played a significant role in conducting the programme. Outstanding Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators, the Headmaster of Jhanapanka High School and members of the organising team were presented with appreciation certificates.

Junior Red Cross Officer and teacher Nabakishore Deep introduced the guests and coordinated the proceedings. Block Junior Red Cross Coordinators Manjit Mohan Chand, Priyambada Subudhi and Banamali Meher, along with counsellors Sitaram Kanhara and Girija Shankar Bagh, contributed to the organisation of the event.

Officials from the Block Education Departments, CRCCs, teachers, school employees, School Management Committee members and local residents also extended their cooperation.

The Jhanapanka Village Committee, Maruti Youth Association of Jhanapanka, School Management Committee and Alumni Committee were among the community organisations supporting the initiative.

The successful collection of 300 units demonstrated the willingness of people in Boudh to participate in voluntary humanitarian activities. The organisers said such initiatives can help strengthen awareness about blood donation while encouraging more eligible people to become regular voluntary donors.

The event concluded with appreciation for the donors, medical personnel, officials, volunteers and community members whose combined efforts contributed to the successful completion of the mega blood donation camp.