A 29-year-old resident of George Town, Shaikh Shamsudeen, recalls an event from 2016 that fulfilled his long-held wish to become a blood donor like his father, Shaikh Sadaqathullah. New College maintains a tradition of supporting government hospitals, including Royapettah General Hospital, through blood donations. That day, an urgent call for AB Negative blood reached his classroom for a patient at the Cancer Institute, and he volunteered immediately.
Over the following years, Shamsudeen continued to respond whenever AB Negative was needed. He registered with the Madras Voluntary Blood Bureau in Gopalapuram, operated by the TTK Group, and attends promptly when contacted. The bureau marked its 50th anniversary in April.
Shamsudeen explained that because his blood type is uncommon, he donates only during emergencies rather than on a regular schedule. The bureau tracks his donations and contacts him only when he is eligible again.
Several groups in the city organise regular blood donation efforts. Rotary Central TTK VHS Blood Bank at Voluntary Health Services in Tharamani can be reached at 044-22542829. Madras Voluntary Blood Bureau at 6 Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram, connects donors with recipients and is available at 9841821997 or 044-28111403 on weekdays. Crescent Blood Donors at Crescent College in Vandalur accepts donations from outsiders after screening and can be contacted at 9087410874. New College assists government hospitals and individuals; its office number is 044-28351269. The Federation of Indian Blood Donors can be reached at 9381005254. Direction for Volunteers runs drives supporting facilities such as Voluntary Health Services and can be messaged at 7448888065. Lions Blood Bank and Research Foundation in Egmore is available at 044-28414949.
Anyone, regardless of blood group, is encouraged to register with a donation organisation to receive reminders and urgent requests.
Shamsudeen has now donated 22 times. His path mirrors his father’s. Last month, on World Blood Donors Day, Crescent Blood Donors recognised both men at an event in Mylapore.
The pair share the AB Negative type. Sadaqathullah, aged 56, has given blood 53 times but recently stopped for health reasons. He began donating in 1993 at Perambur Railway Hospital after a friend’s request and learned then that his group is rare. AB Negative represents about two percent of the global population. He donates only in emergencies through the bureau.
Separate interviews with the father and son revealed similar phrasing and commitment to the cause.
