As a social impact volunteer, it has always been a privilege to meet, greet, and interact with people in their lived environments. Over the years, these interactions have taken place across diverse settings—old-age homes, government schools, hospitals, and shelters for transgender communities. Each visit has been deeply immersive. Engaging with individuals in their natural habitats often reveals realities far removed from our own realities that contrast sharply with the comfort of our daily routines and the peace of our homes
With each passing year – now 53 in all, I believed I had seen and understood much of life. Yet, every year has humbled me more than the last. Confronting my own arrogance has been one of my greatest personal challenges. So when an unexpected opportunity to study philosophy presented itself, I set aside my doubts and enrolled without expectations. The one-hour commute each way on a local train felt daunting, and many around me questioned the decision. Perhaps they were right. Or perhaps I was simply drawn to philosophy—the love of wisdom—an unfinished chapter in my life
Then again, some things are simply meant to be
As part of this course, we were encouraged to step into society and contribute meaningfully—an essential trait for any student of philosophy. A blood donation drive was one such initiative. At first, I assumed it would be a straightforward exercise, offering limited scope for learning. I couldn’t have been more mistaken
This journey led me to reflect on a powerful idea: if you always give, you will always have. At first glance, it feels paradoxical, yet it holds profound truth
In the past, I often struggled to encourage friends and family to contribute their time or resources to social causes. The hesitation was understandable-after all, we tend to guard what we perceive as finite. With a limited network, each initiative meant reaching out to the same circle repeatedly. But blood donation presented a unique perspective. It is one of the few acts of giving where the body itself replenishes what is given—plasma within days, and red blood cells over a few weeks
As I explored further, I learned that beyond saving lives, blood donation stimulates the body to produce new cells, supporting overall circulatory health. More importantly, such altruistic acts foster a deeper sense of community and shared humanity
Yet, convincing friends and family to spare couple of hours over a weekend proved to be more challenging than expected. Approaching strangers was no easier. And still, the message remains simple and powerful: a single unit of donated blood can be separated into components—red cells, plasma, and platelets—to potentially save up to three lives
There is one art we must all strive to master—the art of reflection
The experience was filled with heartwarming moments: a senior citizen, close to 65, who insisted he was fit enough to donate; a classmate who overcame fear and anxiety to step forward; a visitor from Kolkata who chose to contribute despite being on holiday; and a regular donor who actively tracked donation drives across the city. Each story was a testament to quiet courage and generosity
At the same time, it was disheartening to turn away willing donors who did not meet the required health parameters. Yet even in that, there is value. Every attempt to donate is, in itself, a mini health check—monitoring pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and haemoglobin levels—sometimes revealing underlying conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed
One striking difference stood out when compared to my previous outreach experiences. In places like old-age homes or schools, we directly connect with beneficiaries—we see their circumstances, hear their stories, and feel their emotions.
In a blood donation drive, however, the beneficiary remains unseen. The connection is indirect. What we witness instead is the selfless intent of the donor(s) and the unwavering dedication of healthcare professionals
The healthcare professionals care, discipline, humility, and commitment to hygiene was truly remarkable. The effort behind the entire process is immense—something one can only fully appreciate by witnessing it firsthand. The hospital as an institution serves as the custodian and bridge to humanity
So here’s a sincere appeal: don’t let a hundred reasons hold you back from contributing to a social cause. When the opportunity to give arises, step forward. Generosity is not a one-time act—it is a habit worth cultivating
When it comes to making the most of our valuable time – combine plans, meet loved ones, reconnect. I revived my old love for street photography, capturing life as it passed by – as we chased strangers on the streets of Mumbai for blood donation
Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective
In the end, we will not be remembered for our excuses, but for our random acts of kindness and our senseless acts of beauty
Sukumar Jain, a Mumbai-based finance professional with global experience, is also a passionate traveler, wildlife enthusiast, and an aficionado of Indian culture. Alongside his career, which includes diverse roles in international banking and finance, he's working on a wildlife coffee table book and enjoys sculpture and pottery. His interests span reading non-fiction to engaging in social and global networking.
2 Comments
Rahul
Wow !!
Brian Nunes
Great work .India needs such drives of blood donation.