RIYADH — On the Occasion of 69th Republic Day of India, Riyadh Indian Association (RIA) celebrated in a different way by donating blood and organizing a health awareness seminar. On that day, RIA organized a blood donation campaign at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH), Riyadh.

Based on the slogan “Give blood, Save lives”, 110 volunteers donated blood including women. The drive also thanked blood donors who save lives every day through their blood donations and strongly encourages more people to donate blood voluntarily and regularly.

As part of blood donation campaign, a meeting was arranged which was presided by RIA President Balachandran, first secretary of Indian embassy. Anil Nautiyal, praised the kind of charity activities of RIA and congratulated the donors. Blood Bank doctors Salim and Mannan also praised RIA’s blood donation campaign initiative during their speech.

RIA’s secretary Denny Emmatty inaugurated the blood donation at 9 a.m., and Sherin Joseph, Mathew, Jayakrishnan and Aleas led the blood donation campaign.

RIA specially appreciated all volunteers and also thanked the members of the Blood Bank at King Khalid Hospital. Special thanks was given to Salman Khalid and Mutalaq Al Rashid, who gave all the help for the blood donation at King Khalid Hospital.

In the afternoon at 2.30 p.m., a health awareness seminar also was organized. Dr. Nayeem, a health expert, spoke about heart and kidney diseases and replied to the questions of people. Over 200 Indian workers from different camps participated. Mehaboob, Binu, Cleetus and Sunil led the seminar. — SG