Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Jul 6: In a laudable gesture, Vakwady Praveen Shetty, chairman of Dubai-based Fortune Group of Hotels on Sunday July 6 celebrated his birthday meaningfully by organizing a voluntary blood donation camp at Vakwady government higher primary school, in his hometown.
The camp was organized with the support of Vakwady residents, in association with the blood bank of Udupi government hospital, Indian Red Cross Society, Kundapur, Rotary Club, Koteshwar, Vishwabrahmana Sangha, Vishwa Brahmanapura, Vakwady, Sri Brahmalingeshwara Yuvaka Mandali, Tenkabettu, Coastal Voluntary Blood Donors' Association, Gangolli, and Vakwady Friends' Club.
The camp was inaugurated by Dr Vakwady Chandrashekar Shetty of Sridevi Multi-speciality Hospital, Honnavar.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Shetty said, "Donating blood is the best way to save lives and every healthy adult must make it a habit to give blood regularly. Every time we donate blood, we save someone's life. Awarness must be created among the youth on donating blood. It does no harm to the donor, instead, the contentment of having saved a life further boosts one's spirit."
In his address, Praveen Shetty expressed happiness at being able to organize a blood donation camp in his hometown, and said, "For those who stay far from their hometown, to come back and mingle with their own people is an enriching and beautiful experience. Today I have got an opportunity to see the people of my village gathered at one place and interact with them. This is a sweet and unforgettable experience.
"I feel blessed with the love and trust shown by the people of my village. I am thankful to each and every person here. I grateful to those who helped in organizing this programme with such pride and love, and those who turned up to donate blood with so much enthusiasm," he added.
On the occasion, Praveen Shetty celebrated his birthday by cutting a cake in the presence of his wife, parents and other family members. He too donated blood and made the event even more meaningful.
S Jayakar Shetty of taluk Red Cross Society presided over the programme. Lauding Praveen Shetty, he said, "Praveen Shetty is a rare businessman who has not forgotten his hometown, and has always strived for its welfare."
Businessman V K Mohan said, "Having overcome all odds and establishing himself as a leading entrepreneur in Dubai, Praveen Shetty has done Vakwady proud. May he reach greater heights and grow like a giant banyan tree in the field of business."
Diwakar Kharvi Gangolli, retired army man Shivaram Shettigar and Anand Kulal who were donating their blood for the 60th time were honoured on the occasion.
Praveen Shetty along with V K Mohan also extended financial support to Prashanth, who is suffering from an illness and is admitted to Manipal hospital, to meet his medical needs. Praveen Shetty also donated Rs 50,000 to Kedur Spoorthi Dhama.
On behalf of the Kundapur forest department donated 500 saplings to the public, handed over symbolically by businessman V K Mohan to Babu Rao Achar, Ratnakar Shetty, Krishna Devadiga and Manjunath Acharya. Student achievers of 7th and 10th standards of Vakwady government school were also honoured.
Anand Acharya welcomed the gathering, while Venugopal Hegde of Kundapur resource centre compered. Balakrishna Shetty, a teacher, proposed the vote of thanks.
The blood donation camp saw a large number of people from all walks of life donating blood with much enthusiasm.
Medical officer of Korgi primary health centre Dr Pratap Kumar, Dr Veena Kumari of Udupi government hospital's blood bank, Koteshwar Rotary Club president T Ganesh Acharya, Vishwabrahmana Sangha president V Dayanand Acharya, Rupali Praveen Shetty and others were present.