On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day (14 June), a nationwide awareness campaign was organized to encourage voluntary blood donation through cultural activities and street theatre.

The article begins by noting that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the country experienced a severe shortage of blood supplies. This shortage particularly affected children suffering from thalassemia and other patients who regularly depend on blood transfusions. With blood shortages continuing to be a concern, awareness efforts have become increasingly important.

To address this issue, National School of Drama (NSD) organized a large-scale campaign under the banner of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.” Theatre groups from 22 states, representing 25 theatre troupes, conducted awareness programmes at 75 locations across India.

As part of this nationwide initiative, Birbhum Sanskriti Bahini staged a street theatre performance promoting blood donation at several locations in Kolkata, including:

• SSKM Hospital
• Howrah Station
• Bagbazar
• Areas near Girish Mancha

The performances aimed to educate the public about the importance of voluntary blood donation and to motivate people to become regular donors.

According to Ujjal Mukhopadhyay, Director of Birbhum Sanskriti Bahini, the primary objective of the campaign was to increase awareness among people about blood donation and to encourage greater public participation in this life-saving activity.

The article highlights that theatre can be an effective medium for communicating social messages directly to the public. Through engaging performances, artists conveyed the importance of donating blood and helping save lives.

The nationwide campaign was conducted as part of India’s 75th Independence anniversary celebrations and sought to combine cultural expression with public service and health awareness.