HAFLONG, June 12 - To mark the 13th World Blood Donor Day, a blood donation camp was organised by NGO Dawns of Tomorrow Society (DOTS) today at the Civil Hospital here.
In all, 40 units of blood was collected through the camp and handed over to the hospital. In keeping with the theme �Blood Connects Us All�, people of Dima Hasao district irrespective of tribe, religion, caste or creed, voluntarily donated blood and contributed towards saving lives.
It may be mentioned that World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14 every year to mark the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, who first distinguished the main blood groups and discovered the Rh factor in human beings.
Today�s camp is the first in a series of events planned by the Medical Department and Civil Hospital.
People from various tribes turned out in their ethnic attire and came forward to donate blood. It was a sight to behold and exhibited the true meaning of �Unity in Diversity� and �All Tribes, One India�. Each donor was presented a badge by DOTS to display that he was a hero and had contributed to save a life.
To further motivate them, the �Heroes� were provided with light refreshment.
One of the donors said �I feel it is my social responsibility towards Haflong and Dima Hasao to contribute for conservation of life. We have lost many lives in the past two decades for no reason, but we should now conserve it. If my blood can save a citizen�s life, be it from any tribe, religion or caste, I think I am surely a Hero�.
Other NGOs like Changes Society and AROH also participated in successfully conducting the camp. As always, Assam Rifles provided the necessary assistance for the camp and lived up to their motto of being �Friends of the Hill People�. A few Friends of the Hill People also donated their blood even though they have a permanent board at the hospital with contact number for emergency blood donation.
