In the past few years, India has seen an improvement in blood collection (from 9.8 million units in 2012-13 to 11.45 million in 2017-18). Despite this, India is experiencing a blood shortage of 1.95 million units annually. Several myths keep people from coming forward to donate. In India, during corona pandemic period, blood donations further dramatically reduced due to the implementation of social distancing, cancellation of various blood drives, and low donor turnout due to fears associated with catching an infection from public places such as hospitals and blood banks.

Every person must promote awareness about blood donation. With this thinking, the National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists has organized a nationwide blood donation drive on the 90th martyrdom day of Shaheed E Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on 23 March 2020.

This whole campaign was conceptualized and coordinated by Pritpal Singh Pannu, chairman of NIFAA. He even took the risk of his life and, during the COVID period, travelled across the country and had meetings with NIFAA branches and other social organizations to motivate them to participate in the Samvedna campaign to fulfill the country’s blood shortage. Due to the collective efforts of NIFAA and other NGOs, 1476 camps were held all over India under this campaign. About one Lakh of blood units were collected by NIFAA in all camps.

His Excellency Sh. Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, inaugurated all camps through his Video message while Sh. Manohar Lal, Chief Minister of Haryana, was also present virtually in the inauguration ceremony. Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev’s family members also participated in this campaign.