Dehradun, July 15: On the occasion of the birthday of former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and former Union Minister of Education, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, a voluntary blood donation camp was organized under the “Samvedna Abhiyan” (Compassion Campaign) at Thano, Dehradun, the country’s first Writers’ Village. During the camp, 200 units of blood were donated.
The enthusiastic participation of students, teachers, staff members, and local residents conveyed a powerful message of compassion, humanity, and social responsibility. Organized jointly by Himalayan Ayurvedic (P.G.) Medical College, Sparsh Himalaya University, Bhagirath Prayas Foundation, Roorkee, and Devbhoomi Blood Bank, Dehradun, the event beautifully integrated service, literature, culture, and community welfare.
The programme commenced with traditional prayers and a sacred Havan (fire ritual) at Shri Narsingh Bhagwan Temple in the Writers’ Village. Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ was accompanied by his daughter Dr. Arushi Nishank, Vidushi Nishank, Abhinav Pant, Major Deval Vajpayee, Aryan Dev Uniyal, and other family members, all of whom participated in the religious rituals. On the occasion, Dr. Nishank also planted a tree as a symbol of environmental conservation.
Later, a Children’s Poetry Gathering was organized at the Nalanda Library Research and Study Centre, where students from Sunrise Academy and Angel Academy, Bahadrabad, presented heartfelt recitations of Dr. Nishank’s renowned children’s poems, including “Bhor Ki Kiran” (Ray of Dawn), “Barish Ki Phuhar” (Showers of Rain), and “Prakriti Ka Uphaar” (Nature’s Gift), along with several other compositions, to extend their birthday greetings.
The students also performed a birthday song in Sanskrit, showcasing the richness of Indian cultural traditions. Their rendition of the popular song “Baar Baar Din Ye Aaye” filled the atmosphere with joy and warmth. Interacting affectionately with the children, Dr. Nishank inspired them to embrace literature, education, moral values, environmental conservation, and service to the nation.
At the blood donation camp, donors were honoured with helmets as a gesture to promote road safety awareness. The programme concluded with a community feast (Bhandara), where a large number of devotees and local residents partook of the sacred meal.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said:
“Compassion is the greatest value of human life. Blood donation is not merely a social responsibility; it is a symbol of our kindness, service, and commitment to humanity. A single unit of blood can give a new lease of life to someone in need. If every healthy individual pledges to donate blood regularly, countless lives can be saved.”
He urged the youth to actively participate in social service initiatives and voluntary blood donation campaigns.
Among those present on the occasion were Padma Shri Premchand Sharma, Padma Shri B.K.S. Sanjay, Doiwala MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola, Chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Hemant Dwivedi, Minister of State Om Prakash Jamdagni, Shobharam Prajapati, Dr. Jaipal Singh, Subhash Barthwal, Roorkee Mayor Anita Agrawal, Haridwar District President Ashutosh Sharma, Roorkee District President Dr. Madhu Singh, Rishikesh District President Rajendra Tadiyal, Doiwala Municipal Council Chairman Narendra Singh Negi, along with several public representatives, educationists, litterateurs, and social workers.
Throughout the day, a steady stream of writers, academicians, social activists, public representatives, students, and citizens visited to extend their birthday greetings to Dr. Nishank. Wishing him good health, longevity, and continued success, they also resolved to expand the reach of the “Samvedna Abhiyan” and strengthen its mission of promoting compassion and humanitarian service across society.