The Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association Qatar (AMUAAQ) celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day by organizing a blood donation camp at the Qatar National Blood Donation Centre on August 15, 2024. The event aimed to raise awareness about the spirit of sacrifice by encouraging blood donation. It was conducted in association with the Qatar National Blood Donation Centre and supported by Integral Alumni Lucknow and Area 19 Clubs (AMUAQ Toastmasters and Royal Toastmasters). The Ambassador of India to Qatar H E Vipul graced the occasion as the chief guest, praising the initiative on Independence Day and emphasizing its importance. He appreciated the team for their efforts and encouraged donors for their noble gesture towards humanity.
During the event, President of AMU Alumni Association Qatar and Area 19 Toastmaster Director, Dr. Nadeem Jilani, outlined the various benefits of regular blood donation for donors, including reducing the risk of heart diseases, hypertension, and cancer. Jilani highlighted that blood donation is a priceless gift from one human being to another and praised the initiative for its importance. The Chairman of AMUAAQ, Jawed Ahmad, commended the service to humanity by members, donors, and supported organizations, emphasizing this year’s theme of “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!” The theme aimed to honor blood donors and recognize their life-saving contributions over the years.
Dr. Sufia stressed the importance of raising global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion, as well as the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems. Vice-President of AMUAAQ, Dr. Ashna Nusrat, highlighted the World Blood Donor Day and emphasized the need to donate blood as it can save lives, citing the story of James Harrison, known as the ‘Man with the Golden Arm,’ who has saved approximately 2 million babies through his blood donations. The program was coordinated by Farrukh Ali Farooqi and Mamnoon Ahmed Bangash, supported by a team of dedicated individuals including Dr. Mohammed Nayeem, Faisal Abdullah, Syed Shahabuddin, and others.
The event also saw the participation of community leaders such as Deepak Talreja, Sushant Savarkar, Khwaja Nizam Ahmad, and Ms. Nilambari, among others. At the end of the event, AMUAAQ extended their gratitude to all blood donors, supporters, and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success. Certificates of appreciation were presented to all supported organizations and school volunteers by the AMUAAQ as a token of gratitude. Overall, the blood donation camp organized by AMUAAQ on Independence Day served as a powerful reminder of the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need.