Bengaluru (25th January 2015):
For the first time in Bengaluru, hundreds of members of The North East community of Bangalore came forward to spread the message “We Are One” by donating over 100 units of blood at a Blood Donation camp in the city on the eve of the Republic Day.
The community members, who have seen several ups and downs in their relationships with the local communities in the past, came out with a simple agenda of wishing to leave all the bitter incidents behind and hope to connect with life giving blood with citizens.
Bangalore City Police Deputy Commissioner Mr V S Dsouza inaugurated the blood donation camp. The North Eastern community has been appreciable of the role of the Bangalore city Police in assuring them safety and security in times of crisis. The Deputy Commissioner of Police who is also the nodal officer for North Eastern community assured the community members and highlighted the steps taken by his department to provide security for tackling any issue related to racial abuse “We have worked hard to foster harmony and continue to do the same, I am glad the members of the North East community have taken initiatives and we will ensure that everyone lives safely in Bengaluru. There will be no exodus like situation again” said V S D’Souza
Mr Siddappa, Assistant commissioner of Police, the guest of honour of the event, highlighted the steps being currently taken up by the Bangalore police to ensure safety to all. He encouraged the community to reach out to the police and help them take up steps to curve any future issues. He also mentioned the importance of such activities which makes sure that the community is more involved with Bangalore.
Major Rajkumar Jhaljit (retired), one of the organizers said “The large majority of bengalurians , and the Bengaluru city police have stood by us. This blood donation drive is our way of telling everybody that we are one and thank the citizens of Bengaluru and the police department for being with us”.
The North Eastern community members comprising of working professionals and students queued up to donate blood. The community plans to build bridges with the society through a series of such blood donation and other social activities.
“For many of us, Bengaluru is second home and we are glad that the city and its people have accepted us wholeheartedly. We just want to make the bond stronger” said Dr Budhendra Wahengbam, a key member of the Organizing Committee.
Lokhande’s hospital, Kalyan Nagar and Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular sciences and research hospital came forward to support with the medical infrastructure for the blood donation camp. The camp which had an overwhelming response , saw the medical teams finally having to stop donations at just over a hundred unit “The North East community youth came enthused , we had to stop the collection as we have resources for preserving and processing 100 units of blood. We thank them for the same” commented Dr Rajeev Lokhande, Chairman of Lokhande’s hospital Kalyan Nagar.
The North East Community is looking forward to several such initiatives to build bond in the city. Sibaraj, an entrepreneur and volunteer said “Ever since I left my hometown in Manipur, Bengaluru has become home and it really gives me joy that we are able to contribute to the city not just economically but also socially through such blood donation initiatives”
The Chief Guest and the guest of honour were very thankful and appreciated all the efforts of the organizing committee.
Dr. Wahengbam Budhendra Singh
Major Rajkumar Jhaljit (Retd)
Arun Yambem
Kenebo Rajkumar
T Sibaraj Singh
Muhaen Khundrakpam
Dr Jiban Singh Moirangthem
Nongdamba Konthoujam
