THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Are you planning a lavish dinner, a movie at the multiplex or an expensive gift for your wedding anniversary? Well, if you ask Sameer Siddqui and his wife Tasnim, they would suggest that you should donate blood for the needy on that special day.
Sameer, a teacher at Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, Poovachal, and Tasnim, a beautician, were at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) on their eighth wedding anniversary to donate blood for a patient from Alappuzha.
“Though we see a lot of awareness campaigns urging people to donate blood, not many seem to be interested. After witnessing the difficulties faced by relatives of hapless patients at RCC, we decided to donate blood for the first time and chose our wedding anniversary for it,” said Sameer.
According to Sameer, couples would feel a sense of fulfillment and also enjoy the satisfaction of having done something for fellow beings if they donate blood. It will also help strengthen the bond among couples.
“Usually, we splurge on food, expensive gifts or outdoor trips on occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays. It’s high time we change our mindset and do something that would benefit others,” he said.
The couple are now engaged in persuading friends and relatives to follow their example.
“It would be nice if like-minded couples get together through WhatsApp or Facebook for the campaign. No expensive gift can be compared to the blessings that couples receive through this noble act,” said Sameer.