Chandigarh | November 2026. India’s voluntary blood donation movement has grown through the dedication of donors, social workers and community organisations. Among the groups bringing these efforts together is the Federation of Blood Donor Organisations of India (FBDOI). At the National Motivators Meet in Chandigarh, Secretary General Mr. Apurba Ghosh presented the Federation’s story of service, growth and nationwide cooperation.

FBDOI was formally established on 14 June 2004, the first World Blood Donor Day celebrated in India. Its founding took place during the First National Conference on Voluntary Blood Donation at Science City, Kolkata. The conference was organised by the West Bengal Voluntary Blood Donors Forum in collaboration with the State Blood Transfusion Council, West Bengal.

The idea was simple but important: people working for voluntary blood donation in different states should have a common national platform. They could share practical knowledge, support one another and help more patients receive timely assistance. The Federation began with 11 founding members. Dr. Debashish Gupta served as its first President, while Mr. Apurba Ghosh became its Founder Secretary General.

According to the report, FBDOI now has approximately 300 individual members and 75 member organisations. Behind these numbers are volunteers who organise donation camps, speak with first-time donors, encourage young people and guide families during difficult moments. Their work helps keep the spirit of voluntary service alive.

A successful movement depends on people who continue serving year after year. Some donate blood, others organise events, and many help people understand why safe and unpaid blood donation matters. Every contribution strengthens the wider network.

FBDOI reports organising 22 national conferences in different parts of India. These gatherings allow blood donation organisers to meet, learn from one another, discuss challenges and build lasting friendships. They also help new volunteers gain confidence and bring useful ideas back to their communities.

The value of a conference is not measured only by the speeches delivered. Its real success is seen when participants return home and encourage more safe donations, better planning and stronger cooperation between organisations.

One of FBDOI’s memorable initiatives was a motorcycle rally in 2013, travelling from Sutarkandi on the India–Bangladesh border to Wagah on the India–Pakistan border. The journey passed through 12 Indian states and marked the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

The report states that the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Government of India, supported the programme. Swami Atmasthanandaji Maharaj of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, flagged off the rally. Its message connected national unity, youth participation and the importance of voluntary blood donation.

FBDOI states that it has not received regular financial grants from outside institutions. The National Institute of Biologicals, Noida, reimbursed food-related expenses for participants at certain conferences. Other activities have continued through the commitment, voluntary contributions and cooperation of members and partner organisations.

This experience shows that meaningful public service is not only about money. Giving time, taking responsibility, encouraging a new donor and helping organise a camp can be equally valuable. When individuals and organisations work together, even limited resources can support an important cause.

FBDOI continues to encourage voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. Its mission is to reach more communities, inspire eligible donors, strengthen cooperation among organisations and support a safe and adequate blood supply for patients in need.

A family may need blood without warning. That is why people should learn the facts before an emergency happens. Donation should always take place at an authorised blood centre, with proper medical screening and professional care. Donors should never feel pressured, and patients should receive help with dignity.

The National Motivators Meet in Chandigarh offers another opportunity to renew these commitments. Blood donors, social organisations and healthcare professionals can make a real difference by sharing knowledge and building trust across regions, languages and communities.

Blood donation teaches us that compassion does not require knowing the person we help. Every healthy and eligible person can consider donating after the checks carried out by a licensed blood centre. We should encourage family members, friends and young people to learn about donation from reliable medical sources. When a patient needs blood, we should contact the hospital or authorised blood centre rather than spreading panic or unverified requests. Respect every donor’s choice, protect personal information and never promote the buying or selling of blood. Communities can support awareness programmes, help organise donation camps and welcome first-time donors. Not everyone is eligible to donate, but everyone can contribute by sharing accurate information, volunteering or guiding someone towards the right services. Small acts of kindness become powerful when they are repeated with care, honesty and a sense of responsibility. The greatest achievement is a society where people help one another without expecting anything in return.

FBDOI’s journey from 2004 to 2026 reminds us that lasting change takes patience and teamwork. The next step is to bring reliable blood donation awareness to every village, town, school and family.