In April 2012, as the Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha prepared for the annual Baisakhi celebrations, a longstanding tradition—the Nagar Kirtan (Religious Procession)—was at the center of the festivities. This procession, which winds through the main GT Road of Modinagar, has been a key part of the celebrations for decades. However, its impact on the city was causing significant traffic disruptions, leading to chaos and confusion throughout the day.
In response to these concerns, Team Lakshya approached the Gurudwara committee, suggesting that the procession be modified to avoid the disruptions. The Gurudwara committee agreed to the proposal, but with a condition: an additional tradition would need to be introduced as part of the celebrations. This challenge sparked a new idea—organizing a Blood Donation Camp.
The Birth of the Blood Donation Drive
Initially, the idea of hosting a blood donation camp seemed daunting. Team Lakshya anticipated the need for extensive arrangements, including logistics, funding, and resources. However, a visit to the Red Cross Society in Delhi changed the course of the planning. It turned out that organizing a blood donation camp in partnership with established institutions like the Red Cross was far simpler than initially thought.
The first camp, held during Baisakhi in 2012, was a remarkable success. The support from local residents was overwhelming, and the initiative earned the trust of the community. Encouraged by the positive response, Team Lakshya made a commitment to organize blood donation camps twice a year—on Baisakhi and on the birthday of Guru Nanak—continuing the tradition year after year.
Expanding the Impact: A Blood Helpline
As the blood donation camps gained popularity, Team Lakshya recognized a growing need to expand their reach. The idea of a dedicated blood helpline emerged, aimed at providing a rapid response to urgent blood requests. Volunteers created a database of voluntary blood donors in Modinagar and surrounding areas. Whenever a hospital or clinic in the region required blood, the helpline team was able to quickly connect with both donors and blood banks in nearby cities like Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Delhi.
This system allowed Team Lakshya to meet many urgent blood requirements, ensuring that patients received timely life-saving blood. Over the years, the helpline has become an essential resource in the region.
Long-Term Commitment to Blood Donation
Since its inception in 2012, Team Lakshya has partnered with the Red Cross Society and RML Hospital in Delhi, facilitating nearly 2,000 units of blood through voluntary donations. The helpline now maintains a database of over 2,000 potential donors, and each year, it is able to fulfill 80 to 100 requests for blood from hospitals in the NCR region.
The team believes that the only sustainable solution to the chronic blood shortages faced by hospitals is through the promotion of voluntary blood donations. To this end, Team Lakshya organizes awareness rallies and seminars in Modinagar and surrounding areas to educate the public about the importance of blood donation and encourage participation in this life-saving cause.
Final Thoughts
What began as a response to a local traffic issue has evolved into a powerful community-driven initiative. The blood donation camps and helpline organized by Team Lakshya have not only saved countless lives but also fostered a sense of collective responsibility within the community. By continuing to promote voluntary donations, Team Lakshya remains dedicated to making a lasting impact on public health, ensuring that the supply of blood never falls short when it is needed most.
