The O negative man with a very positive heart

BANGALORE: ‘Greatness is not to be advertised, it has to be experienced’.That is the philosophy Dr G R Vijay Kumar abides by. The 62-year-old has donated blood 106 times.A retired chief medical officer of Ashok Leyland, Hosur, Kumar, a resident of Bangalore is now incharge of All India Institute of Local Self Government in Bangalore. Kumar says, “It is not that I pre-plan to donate blood. Wherever I go for my work and I happen to see blood donation, I donate.” Speaking to City Express about his inspiration, he says, “Professor Kulgod form the Gynaecology Department at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) has been my greatest inspiration. He used to donate blood in the morning and conduct surgeries in the afternoon for patients who required blood.” “It was during the 1970s when as a student at BMCRI, I first donated blood. I was about 20 years old then, and the last time I donated blood was in February 2011. Since I am above 60 years, they stopped me from donating.But thanks to my healthy state, they permitted me finally.And if required I am still ready to donate,” he adds.A greater consciousness was developed in Kumar when he completed blood donation the fiftieth time.After that every three months, he made it a point to donate blood.“My blood group is O negative, which is a very rare blood group. People should come out of the misconception that donating blood is harmful. I feel that people who have such a rare blood group should actually come forward and help those in need,” says Kumar.“Blood is not a purchasable commodity. Most of the blood banks are still running short of blood,” informs the man. “So generating awareness about voluntary blood donation and making it available in times of need can help save thousands of lives,” he notes.Kumar says, “My family and my children are very supportive. Both my sons have made their contributions too. My younger son has donated about 10 times, and the most amazing part was, three years ago on the day of his wedding, both my son and my daughter-in-law donated blood.”