Kolkata businessman hits blood donation century

KOLKATA: City businessman Dhanish Sheth on Sunday hit a century, not with the cricket bat, but by completing hundred blood donations. His rare feat was celebrated by his kids, who threw a surprise party with friends, family members and those involved in blood donation activities in attendance.
From a new-born fighting acute jaundice to an elderly patient undergoing a critical surgery, Sheth’s O negative blood has saved many lives. On Sunday, Sheth donated for the hundredth time with daughters — Jhanvi, Shagun and son-in-law Ojas in tow. The bash was held at a hotel in Salt Lake.
Sheth’s blood donation journey started 41 years ago when a young accident victim needed O negative blood.
“Few days later, I got a thank you call from the person. It got me kicking. If such an easy act like donating blood makes such a huge difference, why not continue doing that,” said Sheth, who deals in marble and granite.
According to doctors, about 7% of the population have O negative blood and the demand for it is high. Categorised as the universal blood type it serves well during emergencies like an accident when the blood group of the patient is unknown. “I have seen my father rushing out of home at odd hours to donate blood and coming home content. We too got motivated to become donors. Today’s bash was to make him feel special with wishes for him to keep improving the score,” said daughter Jhanvi, an interior designer.
Nine years ago Sheth and other like-minded volunteers set up Project Life Force (PLF) which conducts blood donation camps regularly.
“We are happy that his milestone was achieved during a camp on Sunday. Currently there is not much crisis for blood but there could be a demand-supply gap in June-July,”said Ajay Mittal of PLF.
“I am lucky that I have not needed blood transfusion even once. I take it as blessing from those whom I have donated. I still have five more years as an eligible donor during which I should be able to donate at least 20 times,” Sheth told TOI.