NSS, JU organises an online interaction cum induction programme on “BLOOD DONATION”, GIVE BLOOD AND KEEP THE WORLD THRIVING

National Service Scheme (NSS), Campus Units, University of Jammu, Jammu, organized Event on Blood Donation, on 19th of June 2021, on the theme, Give Blood and Keep the World Thriving. The theme highlights the essential contribution blood donors make to keeping the world pulsating by saving lives and improving others' health. It was an informative and interactive session by the Senior NSS Volunteers of JU who have achieved their Career Goals through their Training in NSS. They are serving the Nation in their Own Diverse Ways. This was also an Induction Lecture for New NSS Volunteers of the University of Jammu. In his inaugural address, Prof. Manoj.K.Dhar,  Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, as Chairman, NSS, extensively talked about the need for awareness-building activities for encouraging more youth to donate blood. He also stressed the need to fill the gap in demand and supply, and a scientific understanding of blood types, and blood donation. He encouraged the students to become lighthouses of information for encouraging not only the NSS volunteers, but others also to donate blood, because blood cannot be manufactured synthetically. It can only lead to more health. He also welcomed all the new NSS Volunteers and wished them luck in the future. He also appreciated both Mr. Jasvir Singh and Mr. Vikas Pandita, who were the Chief Resource Persons for the day, alumni of the NSS and the University of Jammu, who are excelling in their fields. One blood donation can save many lives. He quoted, “ Mother’s tears can’t save her child, blood donation can.”

Mr. Jasvir Singh, presently District Councillor,Panchari Moungri, Udhampur, J&K, has remained as a regular NSS Volunteer of NSS,University of Jammu since 2nd July 2012 to 11th Nov,2020. He has attended the Republic Day Camp in the year 2015, and has won 2nd Prize in Special category for contribution in organizing National Integration Camp, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh by Govt College Seema and State NSS Cell Himachal Pradesh in the year 2017.He is winner of the prestigious Indira Gandhi NSS National Award, 2017.He was representative of India's Youth Delegate to South Korea 2018.He Addressed 9th Indian Student Parliament as Student Speaker of J&K. He is District Winner, State 4th ranked, and Representative of J&K to first National Youth Parliament Festival at New Delhi by Govt of India. He has also been the part of the Overall Trophy-winning team in the National Integration Camp hosted by University of Jammu 2020, and has actively worked during Corona Pandemic, in 2020, as NSS Volunteer under the Guidance of Chairperson, NSS, Convener and Program Officers,NSS Campus Units, and Program Coordinator NSS, University of Jammu. He has donated blood 13 times and participated in number of Campaigns and Rallies. In addition to this, he worked with various National and International organizations both Govt. as well as Non –Govt. organizations and has received Appreciations from NYKS, Jammu & Kashmir, for his outstanding contribution to Community Service and contribution in hosting two National Integration Camps, two Tribal Youth Exchange Programs, North-East Youth Exchange Programs in Jammu and Kashmir, and number of other campaigns and rallies.

Mr. Vikas Pandita is presently working as a Systems Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (TCS),Noida.He qualified MCA (Master's Degree in Computer Applications) from University of Jammu in 2019, and BCA (Bachelor's Degree in Computer Applications) before that from GGM Science College, Jammu. He is a dedicated NSS Volunteer, and joined NSS in 2013 from GGM Science College, Jammu and remained a volunteer till 2019. He is continuing with his services and has provided technical support to a large number of online events organized by NSS Campus Units,University of Jammu, despite of his busy schedule of office work.  He has received Vice-Chancellor’s Award in 2016.He attended International Youth Exchange Program at South Korea as a Member of Indian Youth Delegation in 2019.He attended National Adventure Camp at Dharamshala, and National Integration Camp at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. He has donated blood 25 times to date. Besides this, he is regularly devoted to social services and is a member of various organizations. He is Chairman Sewa Foundation, Regional General Secretary, Young Blood Association, Former Director and COO (Chief Operating Officer), People’s Hut Foundation, Jammu.

Mr.Jasvir Singh thanked the University and NSS for inviting him for interacting with the volunteers. He thanked Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Dhar, for giving the University dynamic leadership. He reminisced the work of Prof Jasbir Singh, Prof Vishav Raksha, Prof Satinder Kumar, all POs of the NSS Campus Units and all NSS volunteers of the University. He felt great pride in being an alumnus of the University of Jammu, and NSS. The NSS volunteers are reaching far and wide, in administrative services, academics, and the social fields. With minimal resources, the volunteers learn to achieve maximum. Its because of NSS that he has achieved this level. NSS volunteers work selflessly, and Once a volunteer always a volunteers remains true. NSS is a way of life, but academic work should also be balanced. Mr. Vikas Pandita in his lecture spoke about various facts of blood donation in detail. He said about why do we need to pay so much attention to blood donation, explained 13 myths one should hold about blood donation and who are eligible to donate blood. There is a huge gap between the units required and blood donated. There are two types of blood donations- voluntary and replacement. Every two seconds someone requires blood, so we must focus on both, to save lives. He busted many myths regarding blood donation. There is no pain, weakness, weakening of immunity, reactions, or allergies. He also talked about the types of  Blood Groups and blood donors. The weight should be above 45 kgs, HB not less than 12.5 gms, not having conditions like Thalassemia, Cancer, Epilepsy etc. NSS has given him confidence and the NSS experience helped him in building his CV and Career. NSS enhances Leadership qualities, teamwork spirit, and qualities. He encouraged the volunteers to come forward, not just for certificates, but for their personal growth and development.

Both the speakers shared their valuable experiences and answered a lot of questions of the participants, in session conducted by Ms. Srishti Koul, NSS Volunteer, University of Jammu. The participants appreciated the session and requested many more such sessions.

At the outset, the Kulgeet of the University and NSS Song were played. The participants found it highly informative and insightful; there was an overwhelming response from them. Prof. Neeru Sharma, Convener, NSS Campus Units, welcomed the Guests and Participants, Dr.Meghna Dhar, NSS Programme Officer, University of Jammu introduced the Speakers, and Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Anju Thappa, NSS Programme Officer, University of Jammu Mr. Vikas Pandita, Senior NSS Volunteer Mr. Gurdarshan and Mr. Sumit Verma NSS Volunteers provided technical support and helped in the organisation of the event. the participants, who were not only from the UT but many other states of India. Ms. Srishti Koul, NSS Volunteer, University of Jammu conducted the proceedings of the event. The event was organized under the guidance and Supervision of Prof.Neeru Sharma, Convenor NSS Campus Units, JU, and was Coordinated by Dr.Anju Thappa and Dr.Meghna Dhar, Programme Officers,NSS Campus Units , University of Jammu. Others present on the occasion were the NSS POs-Dr. Hema Gandotra, Dr. Savita Nayyar, Dr. Meghna Dhar, Dr. Savita Nayyar, and  faculty members including Dr. Suresh Rao. The event ended up with a message of “Donate Blood and Be the Reason of Smile to Many Faces.”