A Professor’s Inspiring Journey: 100 Blood Donations and Counting
A Professor’s Inspiring Journey: 100 Blood Donations and Counting
In a world where small acts of kindness make a significant impact, Vishal H Shah, an assistant professor at the Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, stands as an inspiration. Having reached the incredible milestone of 100 blood donations, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to saving lives and serving the community.
Shah, 47, from the electronics and communication engineering department, has dedicated himself to blood donation, completing 34 whole blood donations and 66 apheresis single donor platelet (SDP) donations. His contributions have been particularly crucial for patients battling cancer, dengue, and other critical illnesses that require platelet transfusions.
A Lifelong Commitment to Saving Lives
Shah’s journey as a blood donor began during his Master’s course in Aurangabad, but it was in 2012 that he embraced it as a regular practice. Inspired by his close friend Atul Gera, he shifted his focus toward apheresis donations, a specialized process that helps patients in urgent need of platelets.
“Timely platelets can mean the difference between life and death for patients suffering from diseases like dengue and cancer. Knowing that my donations directly contribute to saving lives keeps me motivated,” Shah shares.
Academic Excellence and Service to Society
Originally from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Shah completed his schooling at Desh Bandhu HS School and graduated in 1994. He pursued his intermediate studies in 1996 before earning a degree in electronics and telecommunication engineering from the Bhilai Institute of Technology, Durg. His passion for learning led him to a Master’s in electronics technology and design from the Centre for Electronics Design and Technology, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Currently, he is finalizing his doctoral thesis at BIT, Mesra.
Beyond academia, Shah’s commitment to blood donation highlights the power of consistent and selfless service. His story serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging more people to come forward and contribute to life-saving causes.