Faculty and students of NU during the Blood Donation awareness programme held at Lumami, Zunheboto on June 15.
Lumami, June 15 (MExN): Nagaland University commemorated World Blood Donor Day 2026 by organising an awareness programme at its headquarters in Lumami on Monday, highlighting the importance of voluntary blood donation and dispelling common misconceptions surrounding the practice.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.K. Patnaik attended the programme as the chief guest. Registrar Dr. Abemo, Controller of Examinations Er. Yanrenthung Ezung, Director of the Centre for Development of Communities (CDC) Dr. Kevezai Tureng, Director of the Research and Development Cell (RDC) Prof. Bendang Ao, along with senior officers and staff members, were also present.
Delivering the awareness lecture, Nursing Officer Lanumenla Changkilari addressed common myths associated with blood donation and said individuals with controlled conditions such as diabetes or hypertension may also be eligible to donate after consulting their treating physician.
She emphasised that blood donation is a safe process when proper screening and eligibility criteria are followed and noted that only 350-450 ml of blood is collected during a standard donation from a body that contains approximately 5.5 litres of blood.
Changkilari said temporary weakness or discomfort experienced by some donors is generally mild and short-lived and urged people not to allow fear of needles or misconceptions to discourage them from donating blood.
She also highlighted the health benefits of regular blood donation, stating that it may help reduce excess iron stores in the body, lower oxidative stress and inflammation, improve cardiovascular health and provide emotional satisfaction through the act of helping save lives.
Describing blood donation as an act of solidarity and compassion, she encouraged people to make voluntary blood donation a lifelong commitment to ensure an adequate and safe blood supply for those in need.
A special song was presented by T. Bethel Kinimi during the programme.
In his address, Prof. Patnaik shared his personal experience of requiring blood during a medical procedure in 2020 and underscored the importance of voluntary blood donation. He said donating blood not only helps save lives but also contributes positively to the donor's own well-being.
Calling blood "life", the Vice-Chancellor urged all healthy individuals to come forward to support those in need and wished everyone a healthy and meaningful life.
The programme, chaired by Nagaland University Public Relations Officer Peter Ki, concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Akala Ao of the university's Finance Section.
The university also participated in the blood donation drive organised at Civil Hospital, Mokokchung, on June 14.
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