MARGAO: Ranjit Rodrigues, 45, born in Fontainhas, Panjim, now resides in Socorro, Porvorim. By day, he is immersed in the world of finance – he works for a banking company. By heart, however, Ranjit is constantly working on his passion project – he is the leader and founder of a three-year-old group of around 225 regular blood donors instituted on social media. The group was created with the intent of reaching out to those in need of blood and comprises 17 co-team members with Sanket Parastekar as president, Shanaida Matias as vice-president and Abisha Fernandes as secretary.
“Currently we are not an NGO, but would be recognised as one very soon,” says Ranjit. “Within the last three years, we have successfully organised 50 blood donation camps across the State and were able to collect 675 blood units in the last year alone. This year my target is 1,250 units.”, says Ranjit. Already, the group has held 15 blood donation camps in the past year, with five conducted this year, the latest being in Margão on February 25 at Ravindra Bhavan. Initially, their focus was solely on assisting during emergencies, but gradually they expanded to organizing camps in various locations such as village clubs, schools, colleges, churches, and temples.
“Since I live in North Goa, I regularly organize blood donation camps at St Britto’s School in Mapusa every February,” Ranjit shares. “We also conducted a camp at Santo Átonio School in Monte de Guirim on February 3rd, where 87 volunteers participated. Moreover, we donate blood at GMC, Hospicio, and Asilo hospitals whenever there’s a need.”
“Our team is involved in making the overall arrangements of the premises, the furniture, the refreshments and so on. Close friends generally volunteer to sponsor the expenses incurred which can go up to Rs 15,000,” he adds.
Ranjit highlights the challenge of persuading people to donate blood. “People would give countless excuses as to why they cannot or don’t want to donate, and all I can say to them is, what goes around, comes around. However, we never turn anyone away, even if they were previously reluctant.” He personally has been donating blood for 25 years, starting at the age of 21.
“When organizing camps in schools, it’s disheartening that only a few teachers set an example by donating. Out of about 60 teachers, only 4 volunteer, often citing fear,” Rodrigues says. “So, we conduct 35-minute awareness sessions for students of class IX and X during these camps, to make them aware about how noble the deed of blood donation is and that there is absolutely no reason to be scared.”
Besides blood donation camps, the group successfully conducted three CPR camps, receiving support from EMRI green services. Updates on future blood donation camps will be posted on their Facebook page : Caring Souls-Goa
