Jayakrishnan’s motto in life is ‘B Positive’ just like his blood group. While everyone waits to donate blood on World Blood Donors day, this man has been donating blood for the past 29 years without waiting for any special day. His 81st donation was two weeks ago.
Sharing his blood donating experience with City Express Jayakrishnan says, “With each donation I learnt that donating blood is not a difficult task, especially since I was doing it out of my own will.” Jayakrishnan first donated blood when he was 18 years old. “I once admitted a beggar at the Kozhikode Medical College. He was in dire need of blood. Since there was willing person around at that time I donated.” This incident changed his perspective about life and since then he has donated blood every year.
Jayakrishnan donates blood three times a year. As his blood group is not a rare type, he rarely gets any enquiry but he has always shown a very positive attitude towards the selfless act of blood donation. “I am humbled when my friends tell me I have inspired them. Even now I ask people I meet to donate. Surprisingly the attitude of people now a days have changed as they are willing to donate,” says Jayakrishnan.
“I am 42 years old and I hardly ever fall ill,” says Jayakrishnan proudly. Even a common cold is a rare visitor in his case. Jayakrishnan owes his good health to his blood donation habit. He says that the current life style and eating habits of youngsters is only leading them to their doom.
“Though I have never shown any restriction on the amount of food I eat, I have always steered clear from packaged food with preservatives.”
Jayakrishnan has a unique way of carrying peoples contact details. He carries with him a tiny notepad with the person’s name, contact details and blood group. “It’s just a matter of adding one or two extra alphabets, everyone should save numbers like this in their phone. For me it is easier when a hospital or blood-bank contacts me enquiring about any rare blood group.”
Though there are countless blood donation camps that are held in the district, especially on World Blood Donors day, there are no provisions to check blood from the camp to inform the donor about the results. “This is one of the major set back of blood donation camps,” he says. He also suggested that the government should encourage those who always donate blood, as this could be an inspiration for others.
Another suggestion Jayakrishnan has to give all the organisations conducting blood donation camps is that they should avoid giving packaged juice with preservatives to anyone after donating blood.
“Tender coconut water is the best option, it is healthy and natural.”
