Shimla, May 25: A total of 76 people donated blood at a camp organized by Umang Foundation at the historic Ridge in Shimla, saluting the brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor and paying tribute to the martyrs.
Hundreds of people offered floral tributes to symbolic portraits of the fallen heroes.
The camp was inaugurated by retired Indian Army officer Major General Atul Kaushik and his wife Mrs. Simmi Kaushik, who also led by example by donating blood themselves.
Umang Foundation President Prof. Ajai Srivastava and camp coordinator Rohit Duggalet said the initiative aimed to inspire youth with the spirit of patriotism and honor for the armed forces.
Major General Kaushik lauded the foundation’s efforts, stating, "There’s a need to constantly nurture respect for the army and patriotic values among the youth." He also called for greater awareness around voluntary blood donation.
The camp saw enthusiastic participation from a large number of young men and women, as well as several tourists.
Prominent donors included Abhishek Bhagra, Kartikeya Lakhanpal, Dr. Rita Kumari, Arjun Singh, Uday Kumar, Vishal Thakur, and Ayush Rajput.
Volunteers who helped run the camp included Vijay Singh, Shivani Atri, Neha Thakur, Paramjeet, Amit Atri, Ritu Thakur, Anjali, and from Seva Bharti – Nisha Bhandari, Deeksha, and Pinky. Members of Atulniya Shiv Shagun Welfare Society – Ayush Rajput, Himank, Lavish, Rudransh, and Lakshya – also lent strong support.
The blood was collected by the IGMC Blood Bank team under the supervision of Dr. Saivi Dhowta.
