#Donation

Positive Reads

Hearts in the Sky: IAF Saves 3 Lives By Airlifting Organs from Pune to Delhi

In the quiet hours of the night, the Indian Air Force (IAF) embarked on a mission that bridged the fragile line between life and death. In a meticulously coordinated operation, the IAF airlifted a liver and two kidneys from Pune’s Command Hospital to the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi. These organs belonged to a brain-dead dependent 59-year-old woman, a silent hero whose final act of kindness will now offer a second chance at life to three critically ill patients. This mission, executed with utmost urgency and precision, stands as proof of the IAF and Armed Forces Medical Services' commitment to service that transcends the battlefield.IAF Gives Hope Beyond DeathOrgan donation often emerges from heartbreak, yet carries with it the extraordinary ability to heal and restore. The organs airlifted in this case, a liver, two kidneys, and two corneas, were retrieved from a woman who, though declared brain-dead, became a beacon of life for others. The recipients in Delhi’s Army Hospital are not just receiving transplants; they’re inheriting the compassion. As the organs will be transplanted to two serving soldiers, this operation beautifully encapsulates how a single decision made in the face of loss can go on to touch lives far beyond the donor’s own.Wings That Heal Beyond BordersThis is not the first time the IAF has stepped in to deliver hope. Earlier this month, five people across the country received a new lease on life when the IAF airlifted organs, including a kidney and a cornea, from Bengaluru to Delhi. The liver from that donation was successfully transplanted at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, while other organs found recipients through collaborations between CHAFB and Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru. These swift airlifts, done in partnership with regional transplant networks like Jeevansarthakathe in Karnataka, showcase the deep interlinking of precision, medical expertise, and compassion. The Armed Forces Medical Services and the IAF continue to prove that their dedication to saving lives is not confined to war zones but extends to the very essence of humanity.A Call to Conscience: The Gift of ContinuityThese stories, though steeped in military protocol and clinical execution, hold a deeply human core. Behind each airlift is a grieving family who said ‘yes’ to organ donation, choosing purpose in their pain. Behind each recipient is a life renewed by someone who will now get to see their children grow, pursue dreams, or simply live without machines. The IAF’s airborne acts of compassion call on every citizen to consider organ donation not as an end, but as a beginning.

24 Jun 2025

Positive Reads

United in grief: Massive blood donation drives in Ahmedabad post the tragic plane crash!

On the afternoon of June 12, 2025, tragedy struck as Air India Flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft carried 242 passengers, but only one survived, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory. The crash also claimed the lives of at least 28 people on the ground, adding to the overwhelming grief. News channels broke the story within minutes, and soon, the city of Ahmedabad found itself at the epicenter of collective national mourning. Yet amidst the sorrow, a quiet strength began to rise, one that would soon transform into a powerful wave of unity and humanity.Ahmedabad Rises in RedAs the scale of the tragedy became clear, hospitals across Ahmedabad began issuing urgent appeals for blood donations to support survivors, burn victims, and those injured on the ground. Ahmedabad responded with a force that moved the nation. Navrangpura Red Cross Blood Bank alone reported collecting 550 units in just five hours, many of which were rare blood types. Over 300 personnel from the Army cantonment stepped forward to donate, their gesture blending discipline with deep empathy. In total, more than 750 units of blood were collected in a single day, a number that continues to grow as citywide camps remain active, with donors still walking in.People, Posts, and PurposeThe success of this massive blood drive wasn’t spontaneous; it was built on the tireless efforts of NGOs, healthcare volunteers, local authorities, student groups, and even influencers. Organizations like Prayas Foundation, Jeevan Sparsh Trust, and Youth for Life worked round the clock to set up donation camps across the city, from Ellisbridge and Maninagar to Sabarmati and Chandkheda. Volunteers flooded social media platforms with updates, stories, and urgent calls: "O+ needed at Civil Hospital," "Donate near Law Garden, now!" Each post was shared hundreds of times. Hashtags like #AhmedabadUnited, #DonorDayWithPurpose, and #ForTheCrashVictims trended locally, reflecting how digital tools became lifelines for coordination and compassion.World Blood Donor Day with a SoulEvery June 14, we mark World Blood Donor Day to thank those who give selflessly, but this year, Ahmedabad didn’t just celebrate it; the city lived it. What began as a reaction to horror became a reflection of something deeper: the city’s soul. It wasn’t just blood that was donated; it was hope, humanity, and healing. College students stood in queues, and even elderly citizens insisted on contributing. In a world often fractured by division, Ahmedabad reminded us that in the face of crisis, we can come together, pulse by pulse, drop by drop. As the camps continue and the donations pour in, one thing is certain: Ahmedabad has shown the world the true meaning of giving.

14 Jun 2025

Positive Reads

Building Futures in Rajasthan: Meghraj’s ₹15 CR Donation Revives His Childhood School

In the Sisoda village of Rajasthan, a revolution in education has taken root, led not by policymakers or NGOs, but by two humble sons of the soil, Meghraj and Ajit Dhakad. Where once stood a modest government school, today it is a world-class institution with smart classrooms, cutting-edge science and computer labs, a vast library, digital learning tools, and vibrant playgrounds. This is no ordinary upgrade. It is the soul-stirring result of a personal donation of ₹15 crore, transforming their childhood school into the kind of place children once had to leave the village to find. Sisoda’s Sons, Carving a New Sunrise“Now, we will not have to send our children outside. We had never even dreamt of such a school,” shared a local villager with tears in his eyes. This school is more than an institution, it is a symbol of returned dreams, a promise fulfilled, a living tribute to roots never forgotten. Their donation didn’t just build infrastructure; it rebuilt belief. In an era where ambition often leads away from home, they remind us that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of origins, sometimes, it returns there to shine brighter.The Mangal Vision: Wealth with a SoulThe Jain (Dhakad) brothers are pillars of an expansive business legacy that spans finance, real estate, logistics, minerals, and jewelry. At the heart of these enterprises lies a rare philosophy, growth driven by gratitude. Whether enabling small entrepreneurs or creating rural employment, their ventures don’t just chase profit, they foster purpose. The world sees their towering achievements, but what defines them more is what they quietly build behind the scenes: opportunities, dignity, and hope.“God has given me so much, this is nothing, it feels like watching my childhood dream of studying in a good school come true.” - Meghraj Dhakad gratefully says. The Heartbeat of Change: Mangal Charitable Trust!To channel their compassion into action, the family established the Mangal Charitable Trust. It stands as a proof of their timeless values, committed to education, healthcare, and rural upliftment. Be it equipping hospitals, funding schools, or providing relief in underdeveloped areas, the Trust reflects a deep, consistent investment in human potential. In a world obsessed with skyline success, the Dhakad brothers are building a different kind of empire, one grounded in service and soaring in spirit.

4 Jun 2025

Positive Reads

This School Is in Tune With Gandhian Values Even After a Century!

The Vidyodaya Girls’ Higher Secondary School in T Nagar Chennai has an old charm as it stays rooted in Gandhian values even as it celebrates its centenary in the coming year. What sets this school apart is that the students here are imparted training to spin the charkha twice in a week. The students here are steeped in Gandhian values which help them to be good academicians and sportspersons. The school has maintained its old-world charm with huge playgrounds, an abundance of trees, and few buildings. Students from faraway places seek admission to this reputed school which was founded in 1924 by Elizabeth Sornam Appasamy. It was founded with a donation of Rs 10,000 which was collected from the public. Initially, the school had only three boarders and threeday scholars. Today it has expanded to a group of schools - Vidyodaya Girls Higher Secondary School, Vidyodaya Matriculation School and Vidyodaya Nursery School- comprising 2500 girls. The students here on every Thursday start the Sarvodaya prayer with a few lines about Mahatma Gandhi, passages from Gita, Bible and Quran. The session concludes with a rendition of Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajans. No donations are collected from the students in this school. If there is surplus income, it is set aside to buy sports kits or other necessary items for the students. The school will be celebrating its centenary from February 24th next year.

24 Dec 2022

Positive Reads

Star Citizens

A Playground of Hope: Sabitri Majhi's Legacy of Kindness and Generosity

As a child, I spent half my day in the playground, surrounded by friends, footballs, cricket stumps, and broken bats. Torn, well-worn balls would meet their end after every game—but that’s a different story. As I grew older, those playgrounds slowly disappeared, replaced by screens, gaming consoles, and virtual worlds. Watching this transformation, I once dreamed that if I ever owned a piece of land, I would dedicate it solely to games—a space where kids could play their hearts out. That dream of mine remains unfulfilled, but recently, I stumbled upon a story that felt like someone had brought it to life.In the heart of Odisha, a remarkable tale of generosity and community spirit is unfolding. Sabitri Majhi, a 95-year-old philanthropist from Singajhar village, has donated five acres of land to establish a permanent playground, realizing a dream cherished by many. Her selfless act has ignited joy and gratitude, inspiring a new era of hope and opportunity for the village's children.A Village United by SportsSingajhar village has long been a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts, with a rich culture of cricket, football, and kabaddi. The village has hosted prestigious events like the Budharaja Cricket Cup, attracting teams from neighboring states. However, despite its passion for sports, the village has faced a significant challenge: the absence of a permanent sports ground. For years, local children have had to refurbish private lands annually to accommodate their love for sports.Sabitri Majhi's generous donation has changed everything. Her gift of five acres of land has provided the community with a dedicated space for sports training and competitions. The playground will not only serve as a venue for sports but also bring the community together, fostering social connections and a sense of belonging.A Legacy of GenerositySabitri Majhi's philanthropic journey is marked by her unshakable commitment to uplift her community. Over the decades, she has made substantial contributions that have significantly shaped Singajhar. Her previous donations include land for educational institutions, a temple, and other community facilities. Each of these contributions reflects her deep-rooted belief in promoting growth and development within her community.The newly donated playground is particularly significant not only because it addresses the immediate need for sports infrastructure but also because it aligns with Singajhar's tradition of hosting significant sporting events. Local officials have praised Majhi's efforts as pivotal in promoting sports culture in Odisha, with many calling her donation a "game-changer" for aspiring athletes who can now train in an environment conducive to their growth.A Community United in GratitudeThe response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with villagers expressing heartfelt gratitude for Majhi's generosity. Parents are thrilled at the prospect of their children having access to a dedicated space for sports training and competitions. The excitement among local youth is high they envision this space as a launching pad for their dreams of becoming professional athletes.As the community comes together to celebrate this remarkable gift, there is a growing call for the government to develop additional facilities on the donated land. Villagers are advocating for government support to enhance facilities further, believing that such infrastructure will attract more sporting events and opportunities for local talentSabitri Majhi's selfless act has not only transformed her community but has also inspired a new era of hope and possibility for the village's young people. Her vision for nurturing young talent through sports serves as an inspiring example of how individuals can transform lives and create lasting impacts within their communities. As we celebrate this remarkable story, we are reminded of the power of generosity, community spirit, and the importance of investing in our youth's future.

25 Mar 2025

Star Citizens

Not All Heroes Wear Capes—Some Just Roll Up Their Sleeves!

In a world where acts of selflessness often go unnoticed, Prabhakar Aedunoothala is a living legend of kindness and compassion. With an astounding 84 blood donations under his belt, he’s not just saving lives—he’s igniting a movement! His dedication to helping others has inspired generations to take action. Prabhakar’s journey goes far beyond the blood bank; it’s about making a real difference and inspiring countless others to roll up their sleeves and give back. His story is a powerful reminder that true heroes don’t wear capes—they donate blood and change lives forever.A Life-Changing EncounterIt all began in 2001, when Prabhakar was preparing for the Civil Services examination. While studying, he read an article about thalassemia, a genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin. The article had an impact on Prabhakar, and he felt it was his duty to help those suffering from the disease.Prabhakar's journey as a blood donor began shortly after reading the article. He started donating blood , and as the years went by, his passion for helping others only grew stronger. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Prabhakar kept going, determined to help. Today,Prabhakar has made 84 selfless blood donations., inspiring countless others to follow in his footsteps. His selfless act has not only helped save numerous lives but has also raised awareness about the importance of blood donation. Prabhakar's remarkable record has earned him the Governor's Award for blood donation four times, in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2015.A Family AffairPrabhakar's commitment to blood donation is not just a personal passion, but a family affair. His wife and elder son, Abhiram, are also blood donors. In fact, Abhiram recently donated blood alongside his father, making the experience even more special. Prabhakar's younger son, currently in Class 9, is also being encouraged to donate blood once he turns 18.Prabhakar's initiative serves as a shining example for those in need of blood. His compassion and dedication have inspired many, and his work continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those he has helped.Source: Google ImagesPrabhakar's efforts go beyond just donating blood. He is also committed to raising awareness about the importance of blood donation. He has inspired over 24,000 engineering students to donate blood and is a life member of the Indian Red Cross Society. Prabhakar's message is simple: donating blood is a healthy activity that can save lives.Prabhakar's act of 84 blood donations remind us that true impact isn't measured in grand gestures, but in the quiet power of selfless giving.

5 Feb 2025

Star Citizens

21,000 km Lifeline: The Man Who Walks to Save Lives

Kiran Verma, a 38-year-old activist from Delhi, is on a mission—a mission that requires him to walk 21,000 km across India and beyond, all to raise awareness about blood donation. This remarkable journey was ignited by a heartbreaking incident in 2016. Verma, who had always been a voluntary blood donor, received a distress call from a stranger in Chhattisgarh, desperately seeking blood for a low-income family. Without hesitation, Verma donated his blood, believing he was saving a life. But what he learned later shattered his faith in the system and altered his life's path.The Turning PointAfter donating blood, Verma discovered that the blood he had given for free was sold to the family for ₹1,500. To make matters worse, the patient’s wife had resorted to prostitution to pay for her husband’s medical expenses. This cruel reality was a harsh wake-up call for Verma. This incident drove him to quit his job and dedicate his life to the cause of free blood donation, vowing to ensure that no one would ever suffer the same fate.Simply Blood: A Vision to Save LivesVerma launched Simply Blood, an Android app and website designed to connect blood donors with those in need. His motto became clear: “Nobody should die waiting for blood; blood should wait to give life.” The app was just the beginning of Verma’s relentless pursuit to make a difference. In 2017, Verma donated blood to Mayank, a young boy at AIIMS, whose dream was to become an engineer. Verma captured the moment, taking photos and videos to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation. But just two months later, Verma received a call that would further solidify his commitment. Mayank’s father informed him that the boy had passed away due to a lack of platelets. Those photos were the last images of Mayank alive. The loss of this young life, and the realization that timely blood donations could have saved him, drove Verma to take even more drastic measures to promote his cause.The 21,000 km MissionOn World Blood Donor Day in 2021, Verma began a new journey—a 21,000 km walk that has taken him across 12 states, 169 districts, and even into Bangladesh. His wife supported him on this noble mission. Verma has covered over 12,000 km on foot so far, overcoming daily challenges like finding food and shelter. “I’ve slept in 5-star hotels and on railway platforms,” Verma recalled. Throughout his journey, Verma has inspired over 27,000 people to donate blood, with around 22,000 donations occurring at organized blood donation camps. His outreach extends to remote villages where blood donation was previously unheard of, sparking newfound awareness and action. In one memorable instance, Verma’s efforts led to four people from a notorious area in Nagpur donating blood at a camp, proving that his message was reaching even the most unlikely places.Verma’s journey has been filled with touching moments that reaffirm his faith in humanity. One such moment occurred in Maharashtra, where a man handed him a 100 rupee note after a talk at a school. Though the amount was small, it was significant because it came from someone with little to give. “Those few bucks were enough to keep my walk going,” Verma shared.Verma envisions a future where the responsibility of promoting blood donation will be carried forward by others inspired by his journey. “I will give my 200% during this walk, and then I will retire. People will take ownership of this cause, and more like me will step up,” Verma stated.Whether through donating blood, encouraging others, or simply spreading awareness, each of us can contribute to saving lives. As Verma puts it, “First of all, donate blood. If you can’t donate, encourage others to do so. And if that’s not possible, at least make people aware of the importance of blood donation. Spread the word.”

19 Aug 2024

Star Citizens

Century of Kindness: Vizag Man Sets Record with Over 100 Blood Donations in Four Decades

RB Prakash, a man from Visakhapatnam, India, has made history by donating blood over 100 times in the past four decades. He began donating blood in 1982 when he was 18. Prakash, whose blood group is B positive, and has continued to do so regularly ever since. His contributions have helped to save countless lives, and he has become an inspiration to others in his community. Prakash's commitment to donating blood is rooted in his desire to give back to society and make a positive impact on the world. He encourages others to follow in his footsteps and contribute to the cause of saving lives through blood donation. The World Health Organization estimates that blood donations save millions of lives each year, providing essential support for medical procedures, emergency situations, and ongoing treatments for a variety of health conditions. However, many countries, including India, face shortages of donated blood, highlighting the importance of efforts to increase awareness and encourage donations. Prakash's achievement serves as a reminder of the importance of individual actions in making a positive impact on the world. By committing to a cause and following through with sustained effort over time, individuals like him can make a significant difference in their communities and beyond.

27 Mar 2023

Star Citizens

Founder of World’s First Virtual Blood Donation Platform Now Walks for Blood

An incident that shook his life prompted Kiran Verma to quit his job and work for making blood available everywhere. He started the Change with One Foundation, under which he runs two programmes-Simply Blood and Change with One Meal. The first virtual blood donation platform in the world, Simply Blood was launched by Kiran Verma. This platform has saved many lives by arranging real-time connections between blood donors and recipients (just like Uber). Verma embarked on a 21,000 km walk on December 28, 2021, to raise awareness among the citizens to donate blood. The walk commenced from Thiruvananthapuram and to date, he has crossed 9,500 kilometers and reached Andhra Pradesh. In the course of his walk, Verma set up over 75 blood donation stations across the nation, collecting more than 12,908 units of blood. In addition to the blood donation camps, more than 3000 individual blood donors have given blood in their names at various blood banks in India and overseas. In 2016, Verma sold his blood to a black marketer for Rs 1,500 and later came to know that the woman who collected the blood resorted to prostitution to pay the medical bills of her husband. This incident shook him and then there was no looking back. He made it his mission to make blood easily available for the needy in India. Verma will continue to walk till December 31, 2025, coaxing people to donate blood and save lives.

5 Dec 2022

Star Citizens

Noushad’s Act of Kindness Sends Out a Positive Message to Society

As floods continued to create havoc in Kerala, innumerable acts of kindness came to the fore which touched people’s hearts and instilled a sense of unity. One such generous act was carried out by Noushad, a local trader whose humble act is winning hearts on social media. He donated all the new clothes that he had stocked for the occasion of Eid to flood-hit victims. A Generous Heart Noushad, who sells garments at Mattancheri in Ernakulam district came to know about a group of volunteers led by actor Rajesh Shama. The volunteers were accumulating relief material to be sent to the Malabar region which bore the brunt of incessant rains, landslides and floods. Noushad promptly invited the volunteers to his shop and donated all new clothes, especially for women and children that he had stocked in his shop for the festival season. Social Media The kind act of Noushad melted Rajesh’s heart and he posted a video on Facebook narrating the incident. In the clip which went viral, Noushad could be heard saying, “We don’t carry anything along while we depart from this world, my profit is in helping the needy. Tomorrow is Bakrid, this is how I celebrate it.” He donated five sacks of garments for the flood relief drive. Noushad was applauded by ministers, celebrities and the general public for his selfless act. Noushad’s act of humanity is like a ray of sunlight in the dark and gloomy flood-hit Kerala Image Source: www.maybemaynot.com

15 Aug 2019

Star Citizens

A Journalist who started organ donation movement

Going beyond journalism and writing stories, Santosh Andhale has successfully transformed his knowledge for working in health beat into a working for the people suffering from various illnesses. After starting his career in a regional newspaper in 1999, from the day 1, Santosh has reported stories in health beat. Working for major media groups like Times Group, DNA Newspaper, now being a senior Editor at My Medical Mantra, he is taking ahead his love for health beat in an unique way. Initiating a movement for organ donation, Santosh has started a campaign called as ‘Save Aradhya,’ for a little girl who is suffering from heart ailment and needs a heart for heart transplant surgery. Santosh said, “Working as a journalist for health beat, I usually get attached to the patients and just writing about them in my stories and news report, I always wanted to help those who share their problems with me. ‘Save Aradhya’ is a similar experience wherein a parent approached me to help them with their daughter suffering from heart ailment.” “I usually help them with the different trusts who fund for such expensive surgery. With Rs 22-25 lakh being the expense for the surgery, I helped the couple in gathering the amount and Dr Vijaya Agrawal from Fortis was also ready to operate on Aradhya when we realised that we don't have heart for the transplant,” he further added. Aradhya is not the only girl, but there are many who are in dying need of the organs and Santosh’s main motive is to spread awareness regarding organ donation. Right from eyes to heart to kidney among others, it is important for people to understand the importance of organ donation and more and more people should come ahead to donate the same. International scholarship holder from ‘The United states of America for International Visitor Leadership Program’ for his stories in health beat, Santosh said, “Aradhya is one examples of many who need organ donation. Gathering money is now a secondary aspect for such donations, but organ donation is what important. With change in technology, scientific development and availability of doctors, now organ transplants are possible, therefore people should realise the value of organ donation and come ahead for the same.” He added, “Many people used to give up before, due to unavailability of specialist doctors or technology. Now, as everything is available it is important to spread awareness about organ donation.” Santosh is also known in the media for his truthful and heart wrenching stories in health beat. One of those being ‘How people are waiting for organ donation.’ He said, “Organ donation is my weak point and therefore I have started this movement to spread awareness. I have been also supported by my friends and a known personality in this movement.” One can help Aaradhya in following ways: Hospitals can identify Brain Dead child in their paediatric ward. Encourage Organ Donation. Counseling Parents for Organ Donation.

30 Mar 2017

Star Citizens

Global News

YouTuber 'MrBeast' aka James Donaldson Tackles Poverty!

What's Taking Headlines ~ The most successful YouTuber in the world continued to prove that his channel is for more than just bizarre films with a video titled "I Built 100 Houses And Gave Them Away." With 300 million subscribers, James Donaldson, often known as "MrBeast," is watched by millions of people for his insane exploits and general antics, such as destroying a half-million-dollar Lamborghini and employing a real assassin to try to track him down. However, MrBeast has donated millions upon millions of dollars to charitable causes, so the money made from these heinous acts of viral material goes toward more than just his cost of production. Footage From His Recent Video ~ (Source: Google Images) Voicing For Those Who Can't Help For Themselves ~ All the families’ reactions to the classic blindfold reveal were caught on camera for a 9-minute montage of tears, jumping for joy, and celebrating in Spanish. This 'YouTuber' dug wells for villages in Africa, helped 1,000 kids and young people get cochlear implants, and held several massive fundraisers for feeding families, constructing solar power stations, and more. Takeaway~ The Surprising Influence of Random Acts of Kindness: MrBeast Donating Homes Directly To The People In Need ~ ( Source: Google Images) As widespread as it is, we frequently have unfavorable prejudices when it comes to social relationships. On the other hand, the idea that kindness can improve wellbeing is not particularly new. Research has demonstrated that prosocial conduct, or just helping others willingly, can help reduce people's everyday stress levels and that small acts of kindness, like texting a friend, have a greater impact than most of us realize. Nonetheless, scientists who study friendship and compassion say they believe the new findings support the scientific argument for more frequent use of these kinds of acts. We can all make an effort to be kind to one another and to ourselves. Be compassionate wherever you can, as the Dalai Lama once stated. It's always conceivable. So why not give it a try this week and commit to doing one random act of kindness every day? The positive effects it has on your mood may surprise you! Kind acts signal to others that we care about them and that they are important to us. Knowing someone cares about you and thinks you are important can boost feelings of happiness and optimism. When we show kindness, it also helps others to feel seen, appreciated, and supported. Think about the last time someone was kind to you. Maybe a stranger gave you a compliment or a friend offered to help you move house. How did that make you feel? Valued? Worthy? Happy? Safe? ~ so choose empathy and try to be kind to the world that seems unfamiliar to you!

5 Jul 2024

Global News

From Doctor to Hero: Ali Alsamarah's Touching Tale of Giving and Healing

In the heart of Florida, Dr. Ali Alsamarah, a pediatrician, was going about his routine at a non-profit hospital in Ocala when he received a life-altering call. It was a call that would define his selflessness and compassion. On the other end of the line, he learned that he was a potential match for a child in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. Without hesitation, Dr. Alsamarah made the decision that would change both his life and the life of an innocent child. As the days passed, Dr. Alsamarah went through the process, feeling a little hesitant initially, but never wavering in his resolve. He was determined to give the gift of life to a young soul in need. His inspiration came from a dear friend who had battled cancer and been saved by the selflessness of a donor. Dr. Alsamarah knew the profound impact such an act of kindness could have, not just on the recipient but on the world. News of Dr. Alsamarah's kindness spread like wildfire, gaining traction on the popular Instagram account, Good News Movement. The story touched the hearts of thousands, garnering over 49,000 likes and an outpouring of admiration from netizens worldwide. In the eyes of the child whose life he saved, in the hearts of a grateful family, and across the global community, Dr. Ali Alsamarah had become a true hero—a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the boundless potential for compassion and goodness that resides within us.

9 Oct 2023

Global News

Good News

This Grateful Man Donates Rs 50 Lakhs of His Life Savings to Army Welfare

Sripuram Vishwanatham, a kirana store owner had saved more than Rs 50 lakhs with a lifetime of hard work. In an act of profound gratitude, he gave a sum of Rs 50 lakhs to the armed forces. On Monday, 78-year-old Sripuram Vishwanatham from Huzurnagar, Hyderabad presented a cheque of Rs 50 lakhs to Governor Tamilisai Soudararajan for the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Gesture Of Goodwill Vishwanatham managed the kirana shop till April this year. He then shut shop and got himself accommodation in an old age home. He doesn’t have a wife and children and was wary of leaving his money with his relatives. His friend had joined the Army some time back and since then he always held the armed forces in high regard. Therefore, he donated the money as a gesture of goodwill to the armed forces. Love For Country When Vishwanatham expressed his desire to donate money. Zilla Sainik welfare officer Sreenesh Nori himself drove the kind-hearted man from his old age home in Mattapalli to Hyderabad. The Governor wanted to know whether he had kept any money for himself to which he replied that he had Rs 10 lakhs in his account. He said that if it hadn’t been for our soldiers standing at our borders and protecting our country, Pakistan and China would have overpowered us long ago. One cannot stop admiring this gentleman’s selfless love for his country. Image Source; Thrive Global

13 Nov 2019

Good News

This Bengaluru Techie Quits a Good Salaried Job to Pedal Across the Country for a Noble Cause

It is not easy for any person to quit a good salaried job and sweat it out on a bicycle across the country. Yet, this is what exactly Manjunath Nagraj did to fulfill his mission of spreading awareness about organ donation. In India, people are least bothered about organ donation and the dismal statistics are proof of lack of awareness on this issue. Manjunath decided to do his bit by cycling solo through the length and breadth of the country to meet as many people as he could and explain to them the importance of organ donation. Inspiration And Training Manjunath was concerned about a lack of awareness about organ donation. He realized that there is only one donor for a lakh of people. He wanted to bring a change and worked with an NGO but soon understood that his efforts were not enough. That is when he embarked on his mission of pedaling across the country to reach as many people as he could and spread the message. He started by covering distances of 400km-500km in Bengaluru and trained to survive in extreme conditions. Overcoming Challenges At the initial stage of his journey, he encountered heavy rains in Kerala. Flooded and ill-maintained roads were a big challenge as they led to several minor accidents. However, Manjunath persevered in his mission and believed that roads were the best way to reach a large number of people. Instead of taking to highways, he chose the longer routes that went through villages, towns and cities in order to touch a wider population to spread the message. Manjunath completed his journey in two phases- From Kanyakumari to Kashmir (4,000 km) in 40 days and Ahmedabad to Guwahati (3,000 km) in 30 days. It was a once in a lifetime journey for this adventurous young man who successfully completed his aim to educate as many people as he could about organ donation.

7 Nov 2019

Good News

Central Government Employees Get Paid Leave To Donate Blood

With the intent to encourage blood donation, the Central Government will allow its employees paid leave for blood donation. The present rules allow leave for whole blood donation and not apheresis donation (a technique by which a particular substance or component is removed from the blood, the main volume being returned to the body). Now, apheresis donation will also be covered to get blood components like platelets, plasma, etc. The order states that Special Casual leave may be granted for blood donation or for apheresis donation at licensed blood banks on a working day (for that day only) up to a maximum of four times in a year on submission of valid proof of donation.

7 Jan 2018

Good News

City Students Donate Their Pocket Money To Repair Government School

When Nidhi Shankar Reddy came to know about the pathetic condition of the school in which her maid’s son was studying, she decided to help. She saved her pocket money and urged her two brothers and sister to do the same. Together, the four students of a city school saved around Rs 1.5 lakh and spent it on development work of a government primary school near Kalyan Nagar in Bengaluru. Thanks to them, the government primary school now has a good toilet facility after it got repaired. The benches and walls of the classrooms have also been painted. The parents came to know about their kind gesture only when the school teachers informed them about it.

4 Jan 2018

Good News

This Man With Rare Blood Group Has Donated Blood More Than 50 Times

Bombay blood group is a very rare blood group believed to exist in only 0.0004% of the global population. In India, one in 10,000-17,000 people has this group. Such individuals can only be transfused with similar blood. Aditya Hegde, 34, a Bengalurean has donated blood more than 55 times, but he didn’t know that his blood group was very rare until 2003. He was in news recently for saving a pregnant woman in Chennai by donating blood. Hegde grew up in Hubballi, where he joined donation drives in college. That is how he realized that he is O negative( universal donor).He then registered himself with NGOs and organizations that'd routinely conduct blood donation drives. It was only in 2003 when he went for a blood test that he was told he had the rare Bombay blood group. He then networked with blood banks and became a regular donor. People with Bombay blood group lack H antigen in their red blood cells. As this group doesn't have either A or B antigen, it is usually read as group O. It's only when a specific test for H antigen is done that one can differentiate between O and Bombay blood group. Hegde said that nowadays, with the help of social media, it has become easier to know about requirements and reach out to those in need. He remembers helping an 80-year-old woman suffering from a heart ailment at a private hospital and a pregnant woman among many others. He has also donated blood to foreigners. Whenever Hegde donates blood, he relates to the small network of people having this rare group and feels a sense of belonging. He also encourages his recipients to register himself/herself with the group of Bombay blood donors.Hedge, who is now working towards starting his own company, donates once in three months or depending on requests.

29 Dec 2017

Good News

Rare Honour For Woman Doctor

A woman doctor from Jammu and Kashmir was felicitated for donating blood more than 50 times in three decades. This certainly is a rare feat. Kiran Sharma who works as a senior medical officer at Police Hospital, Jammu was given the rare honour by the Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohaematology (ISBTI) this month for her extraordinary contribution in the field of voluntary blood donation movement. ISBTI was set up in 1972 after Indo-Pak war in 1971. It was established with the aim to encourage and motivate people to come forward and donate blood voluntarily in the country. Ten people were selected for the award by the ISBTI out of which Sharma was the only women. Talking about her experience, Sharma stated that she always felt an inner solace on the 53 occasions that she had donated blood. Sharma informed that she first donated blood as a student in 1987 and has been doing so ever since for the past 30 years. Born in Bhaderwah area of Doda district, Sharma received the award from ISBTI during its 42nd National Conference held at Kota in Rajasthan from Dec 8-10.

19 Dec 2017

Good News

Whatsapp groups help patients in need of blood

A silent revolution in blood donation that was started by a group of employees in Dubai and Saudi Arabia has branched out far and wide. Last year in August, a WhatsApp group by the name, ‘Blood Helpline Karnataka’ was opened exclusively for promoting and encouraging blood donation in Dubai. This initiative that started as a social service has now spread to Karnataka as well, with the opening of the 19th group of Blood Helpline Karnataka in Mangaluru. The group has over 4,000 active members who keep in touch with members through their respective groups and spring into action and arrange for blood whenever the need arises. Blood is collected by organizing blood donation camps. The group caters to the needs of hospitals in Karnataka. So much is the dedication towards this service that there have been instances of people coming to their hometown all the way from the Gulf countries with the sole purpose of donating blood. According to Imran Addoor, group admin of one of the groups and a founder member, ever since the group started, it has been successful in collecting 1,370 units of blood through 17 blood donation camps. Initially, the group comprised of members from Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and now it includes people from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Raichur, Hassan, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Dakshina Kannada. On the first anniversary of the group held on Sunday, a blood donation camp was held in Mangalore city where 130 donors participated. Imran said that members are connected not only through Whatsapp, but also through its website www.bloodhelplinekarnataka.com and through Facebook.

8 Aug 2017

Good News

Jharkand doctors donate blood, go out of way to save unidentified boy

Dr Praveen Siddharth, a young orthopaedic surgeon at the Sadar Hospital, in Daltonganj city of Jharkhand’s Palamu district flung into action as soon as a severely injured 14- year old boy was brought to the hospital. He along with fellow doctors and staff at the government hospital, donated blood to the teenager, arranged for CT Scan and other facilities not available at the hospital, got him medicines not available there, fed him, and carried out a complicated surgical procedure at their own risk. Palamu Civil Surgeon Dr Kalanand Mishra said that the boy had lost lots of blood and as the hospital's blood bank didn't have the required blood, a staffer, Abhishek Komal, donated. When that didn't suffice,another hospital doctor, Sushil Kumar Pandey, volunteered. As the doctors took active interest, the staff also joined in to save the boy's life. The boy, Sahil who had fallen from a speeding train suffered severe injuries and was brought to the hospital with near zero pulse. His leg was infected and surgery had to be performed to remove the infected part. As Sahil's relatives were not present, Dr. Siddharth was advised against the surgery. Yet, Dr. Siddharth performed the surgery at his own risk with the co-operation of his staff and colleagues. Dr Siddharth only wishes that people have faith in doctors. Recently, a doctor was attacked by the relatives of a patient in Maharashtra which led to a state wide strike by doctors. Sahil's father is very grateful and says that the doctors have brought his dead son back to life.

21 Apr 2017

Good News

Ukranian national receives heart for transplant from Indian donor

The 46th heart transplant in Mumbai was carried out at the Fortis hospital in Mulund successfully. The heart of a young accident victim from Surat was transplanted on a 27 year old housewife from Ukraine on Monday. It took 92 minutes to transport the harvested heart from Unity Hospital in Gujarat's Surat to Fortis Hospital in suburban Mulund covering a distance of 317km. The recepient of the heart is a pregnant Ukrainian national who suffered from post-partum dilated cardiomyopathy, an uncommon form of heart failure that happens during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth. This disorder carries a high mortality rate. Dr Anvay Mulay, cardiac transplant team head of Fortis Hospital said that the surgery was successfully done and the patient is stable. It is unfortunate that a 22 year old man who was working with a bank in Surat met with a fatal accident and was declared brain dead. His family was counselled by an NGO to donate his heart, liver, pancreas, corneas and kidneys to which the family consented. Dr. Anvay said that the contribution of the donor family to the wait listed patients is unmatched. They've saved and enriched lives of seven recipients through their young son.

14 Apr 2017

Good News

Global Inspirations

A Young Nurse Saves a Life by Donating a Part of Her Liver to a Total Stranger

Cami Loritz, 25 is a nurse at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, USA. While looking after patients, she also became one when she decided to give the gift of life to a young boy by donating a part of her liver. Brayden Auten was full of life until a mysterious virus attacked his liver. The eight-year-old returned from school one day complaining of stomachache and diarrhoea. His parents James and Ruth Auten noticed a yellow tint in his eyes and took him to the doctor. He ended up at the children’s hospital in Milwaukee and was diagnosed with a mysterious virus attacking his liver. Liver Transplant The doctors informed that Brayden would require a liver transplant and the family swung into action to find a suitable donor, but to no avail. Loritz who is part of the living donor registry found out that she was a match and agreed to be a donor. Loritz said that her father had also donated a kidney to his brother and this kind act had an amazing impact on both the families. She decided to do that for another family as well. Part of her liver was transplanted into Brayden. Most of us do not know that the liver is capable of regenerating itself, the donor’s and recipient’s liver ultimately grow back to its original size, within a year. Successful Transplant And Speedy Recovery After the successful transplant, Brayden is now back in school. Loritz met his parents and she said that it was a heartwarming moment and they made her feel like a part of their family. Brayden’s parents were overjoyed to meet her and said that they wouldn’t be able to thank her enough. Brayden, who got a second chance to fulfil his dreams and goals looks up to Loritz and treats her like an older sister. There is no doubt that organ donation not only benefits the receiver but also brings joy to the donor- the joy of giving Image Source: Faithpot

18 Sep 2019

Global Inspirations