The National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of Salesian College, Sonada in collaboration with Past Pupils’ association successfully organized a comprehensive health camp on October 25, 2024. The event included a blood donation drive, free eye check-up, and general health check-up.
A team of dedicated medical professionals, including General Physicians, Gynecologists, Eye Specialists, and Neurologists were present to provide expert medical consultation. The camp was open to both the college community and the neighbouring Gorabari village. Some 111 people from the neighbourhood benefitted from the health camp and 43 generous persons donated blood. The blood donation drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from Salesians, students, faculty, and local residents. Volunteers who donated blood were awarded certificates of appreciation. Additionally, essential medications were provided to those who availed the medical consultation.
According to the organizing team, such camps play a vital role in raising health awareness in rural areas. On behalf of the organizers, Assistant Professor and NSS Programme Officer Mr. Manish Sharma said, "We organized this programme as a significant step toward social service. Our goal is to foster a sense of social responsibility among students and to provide health-related services to the local community." Mr. Sharma emphasized that similar initiatives contribute to positive social change and announced that other social activities would be organized in the days to come.
It was very encouraging to note the number of students from the college who came forward to donate blood. After donating blood, Thupden Tamang, a student of the College shared, “The feeling which I had after donating blood was really satisfying and amazing because my blood can save someone else’s life. I hope to contribute to the society not only by donating blood but also in other ways”.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to the doctors who generously put their medical knowledge at the service of socially deprived rural people and particularly to Siliguri Terai Lions Blood Centre who made their expertise available for the blood donation campaign.
Johny Nedungatt SDB