When Ahmedabad cloth trader Dilip Patel’s father died the other day, he appealed to his sympathizers who joined the funeral procession to donate blood at the condolence meeting held two days later at a playground near his home.

   Dr. Raju Shah’s birthday invitation card sent last month to his friends had one line printed in bold red: Please do not bring gifts but donate your blood and save some life. Well, whether it’s a farewell party, a marriage ceremony, a birthday bash or even last rites, a blood donation camp is a common feature at such functions in Gujarat. Indeed, Gujaratis have philanthropy in their blood but their extraordinary passion for blood donation can serve as a model worth copying. Gujarat has set a role model by popularizing blood donation as gifts for special occasions.

   This noble deed will not only save a precious life of someone who is in urgent need of blood but also would reiterate....