News : P.Archibald Furtado, Pics : Vishwas, Barkur
Barkur, May 27, 2026 — The National Industrial Training Institute (NITI), Barkur marked another milestone in its ongoing commitment to community service by organizing its ninth consecutive annual Blood Donation Camp on its campus today. Held in association with the Indian Red Cross Society Blood Bank, Kundapura, and Lions Club Barkur, the event drew enthusiastic participation from students, staff, and local volunteers alike.
The camp, which has grown into a cherished institutional tradition, once again reflected NITI Barkur's belief that technical education must go hand in hand with social responsibility.
The morning programme commenced at 10:20 AM with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, and was formally inaugurated by PMJF Lion Ms Sapna Suresh, District Governor of Lions Club District 317C. In her address, she commended NITI Barkur for its unwavering dedication to the life-saving cause of blood donation over nine unbroken years. In a gesture of goodwill, she also handed over a new water cooler — valued at ₹30,000 — generously sponsored by Lions Club Barkur, underlining the club's active partnership with the institution.
The event was presided over by Sri B. Shantharam Shetty, President of The Barkur Educational Society (R), who reminded the gathering that donating blood remains one of the most selfless and impactful acts a person can perform. "Every unit of blood donated has the power to save a life," he said.
Several distinguished guests graced the occasion, including Mr Vittal Shetty Shedikodlu, Vice President of BES; Mr S. Jayakar Shetty of the Indian Red Cross Society, Kundapura; and Mr Ashok Kumar Shetty, Secretary of BES, all of whom praised the students for stepping forward as donors and lauded the institution for fostering such a culture of giving. Mr Sathyanarayan Puranik, Prof Shrinivas Shetty, Mr Gopala Naik, Mr Udaya Kumar Shetty, Mr Archibald Furtado, and other Lions Club leaders were also present and added their appreciation for the warm and spirited participation on display.
In his welcome address, Lions Club Barkur President Mr Praveen Shetty struck an emotional chord when he described each unit of donated blood as "a gift of life," stressing the critical role such camps play in meeting the constant demand for blood across hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Principal Prof Venkatesh Kramadhari, in his address, took the opportunity to thank all key partners — Lions Club Barkur for the water cooler, the Indian Red Cross Society for providing first aid kits, and the BES Management for its steadfast support. He reflected that the camp's continued success speaks to something larger than logistics. "NITI Barkur is not merely an institution of technical education," he said. "It is a centre of social commitment and humanitarian values."
The medical team from the Red Cross, Kundapura, supervised the donation process with professionalism and care, ensuring that all procedures were conducted smoothly and safely.
The programme concluded on an uplifting note, with heartfelt gratitude extended to every donor, volunteer, and supporting organisation. The message echoed clearly across the campus:
"Donate Blood — Save Lives."
