• 79th Independence Day of India
• LPF’s 30 Years of Impactful Work
• Release of Inspira (65th Edition of the LPF Newsletter)
• Blood Donation Drive

The event was hosted at Bharati Vidyapeeth Rabindranath Tagore School of Excellence, Baner, Pune, in collaboration with Axis Bank (PB Branch), Pune, and Bharati Vidyapeeth Hospital, Pune.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Padma Shri Lila Poonawalla (Chairperson, LPF), Firoz Poonawalla (Founder Trustee, LPF), Bhushan Vaidya (Cluster Head & Sr. Vice President-1, Axis Bank, PB Branch, Pune), Bhagyashree (Principal, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune) and Sharmila Govande (Sr. General Manager – Operations, LPF).

A highlight of the celebration was the Blood Donation Drive, which witnessed an inspiring response with over 100 donors stepping forward. This act of solidarity symbolized freedom, unity, and the spirit of giving—values deeply aligned with LPF’s mission of societal service.

Sharing his thoughts, Firoz Poonawalla, Founder Trustee, LPF, said, “Today is about celebrating our nation’s Independence and contributing meaningfully to society. Every drop of blood donated is a gift of life and a beacon of hope for someone in need.”

The release of the 65th edition of Inspira, LPF’s in-house newsletter, added to the spirit of reflection and pride, chronicling the foundation’s three decades of empowering girls through education and creating pathways for brighter futures.

This combined celebration of Independence, Service, and 30 Years of Impact reinforced LPF’s unwavering commitment to the belief that true progress is achieved not just by empowering minds but also by nurturing lives.

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High blood pressure, or hypertension, has become one of the most widespread yet underestimated health threats of modern life. Often developing without any symptoms in its early stages, it quietly damages the body – especially the heart, blood vessels, and brain –until it leads to severe complications.

Dr Deepak Padmanabhan, Senior Consultant, Cardiac Electrophysiology at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, compares high blood pressure to a slow leak – one that causes no immediate symptoms but can eventually lead to stroke, heart failure, or memory loss. He notes that over half of all strokes and nearly 50% of heart attacks are associated with uncontrolled blood pressure. Additionally, persistent hypertension can lead to atrial fibrillation, a serious heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of heart failure and significantly raises the chance of developing dementia.

Lifestyle at the Centre of Crisis

The shift toward a more urban and fast-paced lifestyle is playing a significant role in rising hypertension rates. Excessive salt intake, chronic stress, insufficient sleep, and highly processed food have become part of everyday life for many, especially in urban settings.

Dr Padmanabhan explains that salt often gets overlooked as a health hazard. “Many people watch their sugar or cholesterol but ignore how much sodium they’re consuming. Even a modest salt reduction can have a measurable effect on blood pressure. The real issue is that processed foods – like packaged snacks, instant noodles, sauces, and restaurant meals – contain a large amount of hidden salt,” he says.

Another major contributor is chronic stress. Constant demands at work, noise, and digital distractions prevent the body from relaxing and recovering. Over time, without adequate rest, the heart is forced to work harder for extended periods, gradually causing damage to the cardiovascular system.

What can be done

While high blood pressure may develop without warning signs, there are clear and effective steps that people can take to manage the risk. Dr Padmanabhan outlines five key habits that can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of complications:

• Monitoring Blood Pressure Regularly: Many people with high blood pressure don’t know they have it until it causes some damage. Regular checks can help catch the condition early and allow for timely intervention.
• Reduce Sodium in Diet: Avoid processed foods that are high in salt. Opt for fresh, home-cooked meals when possible, and read the nutrition label to understand the amount of sodium present.
• Manage Stress: Doing breathing exercises, taking short walks, turning off digital devices, and setting boundaries around work can help regulate stress and support heart health.
• Prioritise Sleep Quality: Aim for 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Keeping a consistent sleep schedule and minimizing screen time before bed can improve sleep quality and support overall well-being.
• Seek Medical Advice Early: If blood pressure readings are consistently above 140/90 mmHg, do not delay seeing a doctor. The earlier the treatment, the better the long-term outcome.

The post The Role of Lifestyle in Managing High Blood Pressure appeared first on NRI News.

In today’s busy world, convenience foods have become a trusted ally. Ready-to-eat meals, frozen dinners, packaged snacks, and fast-food options are designed to fit into our fast-paced lives. But behind their appeal lies a hidden threat, excessive sodium, which is a major driver of hypertension, or high blood pressure. Hypertension is often called the ‘silent killer’ because it can develop without warning signs, quietly damaging the heart, brain, and kidneys. What many people do not realise is the extent to which convenience foods contribute to this growing health issue.

Manufacturers pack processed foods with large amounts of sodium to enhance flavour, preserve freshness, and extend shelf life. While salt makes these foods taste good and seem more satisfying, it comes at a serious cost to our health. More than 70 per cent of the sodium we consume is not from the salt we sprinkle on our meals; it is already hidden inside the foods we buy. This means even those who think they are eating ‘normally’ may unknowingly consume two or three times above the recommended daily limit of sodium, setting the stage for high blood pressure to develop.

How Sodium Quietly Raises Blood Pressure

Excessive sodium intake causes the body to retain water, which increases the volume of blood flowing through blood vessels. This added volume puts extra strain on the heart and arteries, forcing them to work harder and harder. Over time, the walls of the blood vessels stiffen and narrow, leading to persistently high blood pressure. Left unchecked, hypertension increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other serious conditions. What’s alarming is that many people may be undermining their health without any clear symptoms, one salty meal at a time.

Alarmingly, sodium often hides where we least expect it to. Foods like breads, cereals, canned vegetables, deli meats, and even some so-called ‘health foods’ can be packed with sodium, even if they don’t taste particularly salty. This stealthy presence makes it even harder for individuals to gauge how much sodium they are consuming.

Reclaiming Control Over Your Plate

The good news is that small, conscious changes can have a powerful impact on our health. Choosing fresh fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed foods over packaged meals helps limit sodium intake naturally. Cooking meals at home whenever possible gives you full control over what goes into your food. Learning to read nutrition labels can open your eyes to hidden sodium content, while using herbs, spices, lemon, or vinegar can bring out natural flavours without relying on salt. Even when dining out, small choices, like asking for dressings and sauces on the side or opting for grilled instead of fried items, can make a big difference.

Hypertension does not develop overnight. It is the result of years of small, repeated exposure to excess sodium and other lifestyle risks. But just as it builds gradually, it can also be prevented, or even reversed, through steady, mindful changes. Convenience has its place in modern life, but it should not come at the cost of our long-term health. By making informed choices today, you can protect your blood pressure and your heart for years to come.

Convenience foods offer short-term ease, but when it comes to your health, they may carry a hidden, long-term cost. Choosing fresh, wholesome options more often isn’t about sacrificing convenience; it’s about valuing your life and your future just as much as your time.

The post Understanding How Quick Meals Impact Your Blood Pressure appeared first on NRI News.

As today’s cities grow louder, workdays stretch longer, and diets lean more toward processed foods, more people are unknowingly putting their cardiovascular health at risk.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has become one of the most widespread yet underestimated health threats of modern life. Often developing without any symptoms in its early stages, it quietly damages the body, especially the heart, blood vessels, and brain, until it leads to severe complications.

Dr Deepak Padmanabhan, Senior Consultant, Cardiac Electrophysiology at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, compares high blood pressure to a slow leak – one that causes no immediate symptoms but can eventually lead to stroke, heart failure, or memory loss. He notes that over half of all strokes and nearly 50% of heart attacks are associated with uncontrolled blood pressure. Additionally, persistent hypertension can lead to atrial fibrillation, a serious heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of heart failure and significantly raises the chance of developing dementia.

Lifestyle at the Centre of Crisis

The shift toward a more urban and fast-paced lifestyle is playing a significant role in rising hypertension rates. Excessive salt intake, chronic stress, insufficient sleep, and highly processed food have become part of everyday life for many, especially in urban settings.

Dr Padmanabhan explains that salt often gets overlooked as a health hazard. “Many people watch their sugar or cholesterol, but ignore how much sodium they’re consuming. Even a modest salt reduction can have a measurable effect on blood pressure. The real issue is that processed foods – like packaged snacks, instant noodles, sauces, and restaurant meals – contain a large amount of hidden salt,” he says.

Another major contributor is chronic stress. Constant demands at work, noise, and digital distractions prevent the body from relaxing and recovering. Over time, without adequate rest, the heart is forced to work harder for extended periods, gradually causing damage to the cardiovascular system.

What can be done

While high blood pressure may develop without warning signs, there are clear and effective steps that people can take to manage the risk. Dr Padmanabhan outlines five key habits that can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of complications:

1.    Monitoring Blood Pressure Regularly: Many people with high blood pressure don’t know they have it until it causes some damage. Regular checks can help catch the condition early and allow for timely intervention.

2.    Reduce Sodium in Diet: Avoid processed foods that are high in salt. Opt for fresh, home-cooked meals when possible, and read the nutrition label to understand the amount of sodium present.

3.    Manage Stress: Doing breathing exercises, taking short walks, turning off digital devices, and setting boundaries around work can help regulate stress and support heart health.

4.    Prioritise Sleep Quality: Aim for 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Keeping a consistent sleep schedule and minimizing screen time before bed can improve sleep quality and support overall well-being.

5.    Seek Medical Advice Early: If blood pressure readings are consistently above 140/90 mmHg, do not delay seeing a doctor. The earlier the treatment, the better the long-term outcome.

The post Understanding the Impact of Lifestyle Habits on High Blood Pressure appeared first on NRI News.

KOCHI: Ahead of World Blood Cancer Day, DKMS Foundation India, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, honoured lifesavers from Kerala who have given patients a second chance at life. These eight warriors selflessly donated blood stem cells to save the lives of patients battling blood cancer and blood disorders. These generous donors shared their deeply personal journeys, recounting how the act of donation not only saved strangers’ lives but also profoundly transformed their own. Moved by their own experiences, they urged more individuals to come forward, register as potential stem cell donors, and become the hope someone urgently needs to survive.

To mark World Blood Cancer Day, observed on May 28, DKMS Foundation India organized a special event to celebrate the incredible spirit of stem cell donation. At the event, eight donors, Sai (doctor from Calicut), Midhun (IT professional from Calicut), Kishor (IT professional from Palakkad), Abdul (IT professional from Malappuram), Sanjay (IT professional from Trivandrum), Hameem (civil engineer from Kollam), Amina (general physician from Kozhikode), and Rashid (graduate from Kerala) were felicitated for their selfless act of donating blood stem cells. Their actions have not only given patients a new lease on life but have also made them influential ambassadors of awareness and hope.

In India, blood cancer patients often face overwhelming odds when it comes to accessing life-saving stem cell transplants. With only 1 in a million people likely to find a fully matched donor, searching for a suitable match becomes an urgent and often heartbreaking struggle against time. Despite the proven, life-changing potential of stem cell transplantation, the severe shortage of registered donors remains a major barrier to timely treatment. Each year, over 70,000 lives are lost to blood cancer in the country, a disease that accounts for 8% of all new cancer diagnoses.

Patrick Paul, Chairman, DKMS  India, said: “Behind every blood cancer diagnosis is a family holding on to hope, and that hope often hinges on finding a matching stem cell donor. In a country of over a billion people, the fact that only 0.5 million are registered as potential donors is a gap we cannot afford. Kerala has shown encouraging intent with over 21,964 registrations, but we need many more to step forward. A single act of kindness can mean the difference between life and loss for someone, somewhere.”

Dr. Nitin Agarwal, MD, Transfusion Medicine, HoD, Donor Request Management, DKMS Foundation India, said: “A blood stem cell transplant from a matching HLA donor is often the most promising chance of survival for patients with blood cancer or severe blood disorders. However, only about 30% of patients can find a suitable match within their families. The remaining 70% depend on unrelated donors, but with just 0.09% of India’s population registered, the odds are heartbreakingly low. Increasing awareness and donor registrations is not just important, it’s lifesaving.”

He added: “Misconceptions that stem cell donation is painful or harmful continue to discourage many from registering. The procedure is safe, straightforward, and has no lasting impact on the donor’s health. By spreading awareness and addressing these fears, we can motivate more people to become lifesaving donors.”

Dr. Amina A.P. Shahala, a 25-year-old general physician and donor from Kozhikode, said: “As a doctor, I have always believed in healing, but donating my blood stem cells gave me a unique chance to save a life beyond the hospital walls. The process was safe, well-guided, and deeply fulfilling. Knowing that someone, somewhere, has a second chance at life because of my simple act is truly heartening.”

Sharing his experience, Rashid, a 28-year-old graduate from Kerala, said: “Knowing that my stem cell donation gave someone a second chance at life is an indescribable feeling. It’s rare to get an opportunity to make such a profound impact, and I am grateful to DKMS for guiding me through the process with such care. I encourage everyone to register because becoming a donor means becoming someone’s hope.”

Dr. Chepsy C. Philip, Clinical Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, said: “Blood cancers like lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia continue to claim lives in India, yet stem cell transplants offer real hope—with success rates of 60–80% when performed on time. However, while over 100,000 patients need transplants each year, fewer than 3,000 receive one. Every day, I see patients desperately waiting for a match. Each new donor isn’t just a number—it’s a lifeline. We need many more, and we need them now.”

Since its inception in 2019, DKMS Foundation India has registered over 200,000 potential stem cell donors and facilitated more than 160 transplants, playing a crucial role in the fight against blood cancer. The foundation remains committed to saving lives by expanding its donor registry both in India and globally.

To register as a potential stem cell donor, one must be a healthy adult between 18 and 55 years of age. Registration requires filling up a simple consent form. A swab of the inside of the cheeks is taken to collect the tissue cells, which are then sent to a lab to be analysed for HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen). The potential donor is then listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. Eligible individuals can register as blood stem cell donors by ordering a home swab kit at https://www.dkms-india.org/register-now and join the movement to save lives.

The post DKMS Foundation India Celebrates and Honors Stem Cell Donors Who Transform Lives of Blood Cancer Patients appeared first on NRI News.

This year, Hikal expects around 70–100 employees to voluntarily donate blood during the drive. In 2023, a similar camp was held in collaboration with the Red Cross, where approximately 60 employees participated. The increasing turnout reflects a strong sense of social responsibility among Hikal’s workforce.

The Panoli site holds a unique position among Hikal’s manufacturing locations, as it houses all three of the company’s business divisions—Pharma, Animal Health, Crop Protection, and Specialty Chemical. This makes it not just a strategic manufacturing hub but also a vibrant community of employees whose collective efforts power Hikal’s multi-sectoral impact.

Sameer Hiremath, Managing Director, Hikal, said: “At Hikal, responsibility doesn’t end at business. Through our CSR program, ‘Kaushalya’, we are committed to strengthening the health and well-being of the communities we operate in. This blood donation drive reflects our larger mission to create meaningful change and contribute to a healthier society.”

Ratish Jha, President – Human Resources, Hikal, added: “Our approach to community development is deeply embedded in our values. With Kaushalya, we don’t just respond to needs—we invest in long-term impact, from healthcare and education to local infrastructure. The blood donation drive is yet another step in building resilient, empowered communities around Panoli.”

Dr. Omkarsinh Parihar, Blood Bank Officer, Unity Blood Centre, said: “We are thankful to Hikal for their consistent support in promoting community health. Their leadership and sustained employee involvement set a benchmark for responsible corporate citizenship. We hope more companies are inspired to follow suit.”

With its diverse operations, the Panoli facility stands at the heart of Hikal’s manufacturing ecosystem. Initiatives like this not only enhance public health and safety but also reflect Hikal’s enduring commitment to inclusive growth and sustainability.

The post Hikal Partners with Unity Blood Centre for Blood Donation Drive in Panoli appeared first on NRI News.

Every 27 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with a blood cancer or a blood disorder, and for many people affected a stem cell transplantation is the only hope for a cure. For both initial and repeat transplants, finding a match and getting the stem cells to the patient as quickly as possible is very important as this has a major impact on survival. But even when a match is found, it can take up to 12 weeks before transplantation takes place, making the procedure a race against time. It remains a race against time.

Therefore, it is important to develop additional approaches to stem cell transplantation to speed up the process. This urgent need was the initial motivation to expand the activities for processing and storing cryopreserved stem cells for the DKMS Stem Cell Bank. Experience Studies show that the average stem cell donor produces more stem cells than are needed for a transplant. If the donor meets certain criteria and gives consent, the excess cells collected during apheresis are preserved at very low temperatures. The scientific term for preserving these types of cells is cryopreservation (from the Greek “kryos”, cold). In this state, the cells can be stored in special cryotanks, until they are requested for another person with blood cancer. Once a request is received, it usually takes up to three business days to transport the material – an advantage that saves valuable time in the race against blood cancer.

“This approach is straightforward and one hundred percent ethical for our voluntary donors. We only approach those who donate to a specific person anyway. This way, our donors can save two lives with one donation,” said Dr. Alexander Platz, Medical Director of the DKMS Stem Cell Bank.

First transplantation of stem cells from the cryotank

The first transplantation of such cryopreserved stem cells from the DKMS Stem Cell Bank showed that this is not just theory. The patient received this transplant as a second graft. The stem cells used were cryopreserved and stored at the time of the first transplant. The fact that the cells were already available in the DKMS Stem Cell Bank had many advantages: the confirmatory typing and the preliminary examination had already been carried out, and the donation arrived at the transplantation center within a few days. This allowed the patient to receive the stem cells he needed as soon as possible. At the same time, the donor did not have to make any additional effort, since a second donation was not necessary. A second donation is not a single case. Generally, about one in 30 donors donates stem cells for a second time, mostly for the same patient. Since the stem cells have been stored in the DKMS Stem Cell Bank, this will not always be necessary in the future – two stem cell grafts were obtained from one collection, and both have now been used.

The first transplantation of cryopreserved stem cells from the DKMS Stem Cell Bank proves that this approach is more than just a theory. The patient received the transplant as a second graft, using stem cells that had been cryopreserved and stored at the time of the initial transplant. Having these stem cells readily available in the DKMS Stem Cell Bank offered several advantages: confirmatory typing and preliminary examinations had already been completed, and the donation reached the transplantation center within a few days. This enabled the patient to receive the necessary stem cells as quickly as possible without requiring the donor to undergo another procedure, as a second donation was unnecessary.

Second donations are not uncommon; approximately one in 30 donors donates stem cells a second time, usually for the same patient. However, with stem cells now stored in the DKMS Stem Cell Bank, such additional donations may no longer be required in many cases. From a single collection, two stem cell grafts were obtained and have both been successfully used.

“The whole team in Dresden was very happy about this first stem cell transplantation from the DKMS Stem Cell Bank. The delivery process from the cryotank to the patient and the transplantation went smoothly, but now we have to keep our fingers crossed. We truly hope that the treatment will now have the desired effect,” said Dr. Alexander Platz.

The DKMS Life Science Lab, the Clinical Trials Unit, the DKMS Collection Center, and the Collaborative Biobankare further facilities that contribute to research and development in the field of stem cell donation in the science hub of Dresden, Germany.

In this case, the DKMS does not disclose any further information in order to maintain anonymity. Patients should be given the opportunity to fully concentrate on themselves and their recovery during this physically and mentally difficult time. Only after a two-year period and with the consent of both parties can anonymity be rescinded.

The post The Significance of the First Cryopreserved Stem Cell Donation appeared first on NRI News.

AMARAVATI: On the occasion of the 86th birthday of VIT Founder and Chancellor, Dr. G. Viswanathan, VIT-AP University organized a blood donation camp in collaboration with Government General Hospital (GGH) Guntur. Held at the university today, the event saw active participation from over 400 students, faculty, and staff, all coming together to contribute to this noble cause.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. S.S.V. Ramana – Superintendent – Government General Hospital (GGH) Guntur said that blood donation is a selfless act that can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. He also highlighted the necessity for more such camps and expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic involvement of the university community. He thanked the VIT-AP management for their proactive approach in organizing the event and acknowledged the positive influence it would have on the local community.

Dr. S.V. Kota Reddy, Vice Chancellor of VIT-AP University, underscored the crucial role of blood donation in saving lives, particularly for underprivileged patients at GGH-Guntur. He further emphasized that under the leadership of Dr. G. Viswanathan – Founder & Chancellor, VIT-AP University remains dedicated to fostering a culture of social responsibility and contributing meaningfully to society’s well-being

Dr. Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti, Registrar of VIT-AP University, Dr. Khadeer Pasha, Deputy Director of Students Welfare, Dr.N. Ramachandra Rao – Physical Education Director VIT-AP, Dr.K. Suresh Kumar – Medical Officer, Blood Centre, Dr.K. Emerald Priyadarshini – Medical officer, Blood center GGH Guntur, Faculty, Staff, Students were also present on the occasion.

Free bags and sports kits distribution to School Students:

Dr. S.V. Kota Reddy, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti, Registrar, and Dr. Khadeer Pasha, Deputy Director of Student Welfare, Dr. Ramachandra Rao – PED distributed essential educational materials to nearly 215 students from government schools in the VIT-AP University adopted villages of Inavolu, Velagapudi, and Sakhamuru.

The items distributed included:

• Educational Essentials: free notebooks, geometry boxes, and school bags
• Infrastructure Support: chairs and blackboards
• Hydration and Nutrition: water bottles
• Sports Development: sports kits, comprising shuttlecocks, footballs, tennikoit rings, Cricket bats, Chess & Carrom boards, etc.

This generous initiative was undertaken to commemorate the 86th birth anniversary of VIT Founder and Chancellor, Dr. G. Viswanathan

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BENGALURU: DKMS BMST Foundation India has unveiled its #OneInAMillion campaign in collaboration with Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan, to address the critical shortage of blood stem cell donors in the country. This engaging initiative aims to spread awareness about the vital role of stem cell donation in giving blood cancer and blood disorder patients a second chance at life.

In India, every year, over 1 lakh people are diagnosed with blood cancer or blood disorders, yet less than 1% of the population is registered as potential blood stem cell donors. This campaign seeks to highlight the rarity of finding a matching donor, often compared to being “one in a million,” and to inspire more people to register as donors. DKMS-BMST, a leading organization in the fight against blood cancer, is dedicated to bridging this gap through awareness and action. With a focus on the vital role of blood stem cell transplantation and innovative patient support programs, DKMS-BMST is steadfast in its mission to bring hope and life-saving solutions to countless patients.

Patrick Paul, CEO, of DKMS-BMST Foundation India, commented on the campaign’s significance, saying, “India urgently needs more blood stem cell donors. This campaign combines creativity and technology to engage the public and raise awareness about a cause that can save countless lives. We hope ‘One in a Million’ inspires individuals to take action and make a difference.”

An integrated 360-degree marketing campaign “One in a million,” aims to reach the youth across India. This multi-channel and multi-platform campaign is designed to create a long-lasting impression on youngsters, educating them about the difficulties in finding a matching blood stem cell donor and illustrating DKMS-BMST’s dedication to patients with blood cancer and blood disorders.

At the core of the campaign is a unique virtual activity hosted on social media platforms, where white balloons can be seen floating over important monuments with one rare red balloon amid them, symbolizing the “one in a million” chance of a blood cancer patient finding a suitable blood stem cell donor. In addition to this, DKMS has also launched a web game challenging players to pop a maximum number of balloons in 27s. Interestingly, every 27 someone around the world is diagnosed with blood cancer. The game not only educates viewers about the importance of blood stem cell donation but also encourages them to request a free swab kit to register with DKMS-BMST and join the global registry.

Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan said, “Small actions like these create real hope and with every registration, we get closer to saving more lives.”

Every five minutes, a new case of blood cancer or a blood disorder such as Thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia is diagnosed in India. With only 0.6 million registered stem cell donors from India out of over 41 million globally, the need for matching blood stem cell donors is dire.

Through “One in a Million,” DKMS is not only creating a buzz online but also engaging individuals with outdoor activities sharing knowledge and tools to take part in this life-saving initiative. By registering as donors, participants can potentially transform lives and be the rare match that a blood cancer patient desperately needs.

To register as a potential stem cell donor, you must be a healthy Indian adult between 18 and 55 years of age. When you are ready to register, all you need to do is complete a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect your tissue cells. Your tissue sample is then sent to the lab to be analyzed and listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. If you’re eligible, take the first step to register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register

The post Soha Ali Khan Highlights the Critical Shortage of Indian Blood Stem Cell Donors appeared first on NRI News.

The event drew the support of 51 generous donors, including employees, guests, and community members who came together to make a positive impact.

Sajid Dhanani’s vision for Sayaji extended beyond hospitality, emphasizing a commitment to community welfare and social responsibility. This annual blood donation drive, now in its eleventh year, is a tribute to his memory and dedication to supporting critical healthcare needs.

“We are humbled by the consistent support we receive from our team and the community each year,” said cluster General Manager AJAY KANOJIYA. “Honoring Mr. Dhanani’s memory through this life-saving initiative aligns with the values he championed, and it’s an honor to carry his legacy forward in this meaningful way.”

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