The primary mission of any Interact President is to surpass the preceding year’s donor count. And why? For the prestige of being able to save that many more lives, the honour of being associated with an such an event and well, let’s not deny, the personal satisfaction that ensues. Driven by a competitive edge and a passion to potentially contribute to saving lives, Jahnavi Mahindra (President, 2014-2015), along with Rhea Karuturi (Vice President), Trisha Srivalsan (Treasurer) and the various members of the Interact Club as well as the Aditi Alumni Assosiation (AAA), put up an absolutely spectacular show, despite the odds being against their favour. For the 5th consecutive year, the Interact Club and AAA have fortuitously partnered TKK Blood Bank to hold blood donation camps yearly in our school.

For most of us teenagers, when we hear “blood donation”, we merely think of the fatigue one would feel after donating blood, or the thick needle breaking the delicate skin, or the crimson shade filling a labelled pouch, or the infamous “I-would-totally-pass-out” remark. But for our parents, our teachers, our grandparents, our support staff, those who have experienced the need for another person’s blood, they are the ones who truly know what it means to donate blood.

The day seemed to start smoothly, but as it so happened, the odds seemed to be against the hosts- the doctors, from the TKK Blood Bank- Bangalore Medical Service, were half of the usual number as they were simultaneously holding another camp, the balloon man seemed to think that 80 balloons were going to be enough, few of the TKK employees didn’t seem to like the setup and the various teams of volunteers, which the President had so meticulously prepared, seemed to merge amidst the hushed pandemonium. However, with excellent delegation from the Board Members of the Interact Club, and guidance from AAA, the blood donation drive emerged an unparalleled success. The donor count totalled 97, 10 more than the preceding year, saving over 385 lives. Members diligently tallied the donor count and made sure that donors signed a bright red paper drop, which then adorned the tree in the middle of the high-school courtyard. There seemed to be an unmistakable sense of pride in the large red drops that swung gently from time to time.

Although the donors are the ones that must be commended for their impeccable selflessness, the volunteers received gratuitous acclamation. We were showered with “Oh! You all are doing an amazing job!”, genuine gratitude for being given the chance to donate, and free brownie treats from a parent. The highlight of my day, however, was a two minute conversation I had with a complete stranger. A member of the Registration team, I was assigned the task of making sure the potential donors filled out their forms correctly as well as clarifying any doubts pertaining to eligibility. This old man, so unfamiliar in my accustomed environment, stood, confused with a quiet intensity. I approached him and he said to me, in a surprisingly strong voice, “Can I donate blood? I am 72 years old.” I hurriedly asked one of the doctors and she said no. I conveyed the information to him and he murmured softly, the small sliver of hope crushed by my words, “I thought as much.” Just as I was about to smile and apologise, he said “I believe in the concept of donating blood. “ Seeing my possibly puzzled look, he continued, “Many people donated blood for my wife and I am thankful for them. My son is donating blood and I wished to donate blood but it is okay. I know I can’t because of my age.” The look of disappointment was written plainly across his face, he tried to hide it with a smile. I couldn’t help but profusely apologise, even though it was not something that was in my control. Out of all the donors that had come to donate, he stood out. His genuineness and his acute want to donate blood made me actually, truly, want to donate blood.

Donating blood saves lives, the implications of that transcend anything we could possibly start to imagine. 1 in 4 people will need transfusions or some form of blood from another person at some point in their lives. Imagine that- your family member, your friend, your colleague. Someone else’s blood could save their life and you could be saving another person’s loved one with your blood. What we do isn’t just for our personal satisfaction. It surpasses any trivial, material happiness, it almost always wins when life and death duel and that is the greatest possible benefit.