Baramulla, April 25: In a moving tribute to the 27 victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Rah‑e‑Umeed Foundation and Maqbool Memorial Hospital, in partnership with Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, hosted a blood donation camp in Palhallan, Baramulla district.
The first‑ever drive in the Pattan area drew an overwhelming response, with over 50 pints of blood collected from local residents, traders, media professionals, and volunteers. Members of the Traders Association Pattan joined doctors, students, and senior citizens to show solidarity and remembrance through this life‑saving gesture.
Key figures at the event included Dr. Parvaiz Masoodi, Medical Superintendent of the Associated Hospital at GMC Baramulla; Ishfaq Tantray, Managing Director of Maqbool Memorial Hospital; and Nasir Bashir Shah, President of the Pattan Traders Federation. Prominent activist Bilkees Ara—the “Blood Woman of Kashmir”—commended the initiative: “This camp pays tribute to those we lost in Pahalgam. Channeling our grief into saving lives is the most fitting homage.”
Sajad Ahmad of Rah‑e‑Umeed Foundation said the drive was specifically organized to remember the attack victims. “By donating blood, we transform our sorrow into hope. Each pint can save multiple lives,” he noted. GMC Baramulla medical experts oversaw the donations, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.
Local participants praised the community effort for fostering unity and urged that regular blood drives become a norm. The Rah‑e‑Umeed Foundation pledged to continue organizing such events to strengthen public awareness and build a culture of voluntary blood donation.
This camp stands as a testament to Baramulla’s resilience and the power of collective action in the face of tragedy.