Bilquees Ara: A Lifeline from North Kashmir

Suhail Khan 

Srinagar, Dec 23 : The most precious gift one can give is the gift of life especifically, the gift of blood. When given with purpose, it not only supports those in desperate need but can inspire change across society.

Meet Bilquees Ara, a woman from north Kashmir whose extraordinary commitment to blood donation has touched countless lives and sofar has donated blood 41 times.

In an exclusive conversation with Kashmir Convener, Bilquees stated, “I always prefer to celebrate in a way that satisfies the soul by giving something back to society. Donating blood is one of the best ways to do so. At least this blood can be used to save someone’s life.”

She reflected on how society often prioritizes parties and gatherings, yet seldom thinks of giving back. “Maybe for me, helping others especially through humanitarian acts like blood donation is what truly matters. Perhaps nothing in this world is greater than earning the chance to save a life.”

Bilques Ara—also known as the “Blood Queen”—recounted her journey while speaking with Kashmir Convener stated, “My journey began in 2012, after my cousin developed serious post-delivery complications and was taken to Srinagar’s LD Hospital. The doctors asked us to arrange blood. While waiting, I saw other patients struggling to find donors. That moment changed my perspective. I decided that once my cousin recovered, I would begin donating blood to help others in similar situations.”

“Two years later, in 2014, my own young son slipped into a coma. He was fighting for his life, and doctors requested blood. Without hesitation, I donated. That same day, I learned of a family from north Kashmir pleading for A-positive blood for their child. Even though I had already donated once, I felt compelled to help and donated again.”

“By grace, both my son and that child survived. That day, I understood the profound power of this act. I pledged to donate as long as I am healthy. So far, I have donated 41 pints of blood.”

Bilquees emphasized the urgent need for greater participation in blood donation camps. “It is up to us to join hands for this cause,” she said. “Blood is a precious resource with no substitute it cannot be manufactured in a lab. Voluntary donation is the greatest gift you can give, touching lives in ways you may never see.”

Pertinently, Bilquees is a well-known Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA worker) from Gundchobtra, Langate, in north Kashmir. For 12 years, she has helped villagers access healthcare schemes, delivered first aid, provided antenatal care, arranged ambulances, distributed sanitary napkins, issued health insurance cards, and organized village health campaigns.