SATYENDRA PATHAK, KNOWN AS ‘BLOOD BANK PATHAK’ ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SATYENDRA PATHAK, KNOWN AS ‘BLOOD BANK PATHAK’ ON SOCIAL MEDIA

5-DEC-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Usually, dairy shops only sell milk, curd, paneer, and other dairy products, but Pathak Dairy in Jashpur district has become a new example of humanity. At this shop located near the bus stand, social worker Satendra Kumar Pathak, whom people know as 'Blood Bank Pathak' on social media, is continuously saving lives by providing blood to those in need.

At the age of 63, when most people prioritize rest, Pathak still donates blood free of charge. By posting on social media, he arranges blood donors within hours, which everyone is appreciating.

Social worker Pathak donating blood

Pathak is active in WhatsApp and social media groups connected to several states including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar. Whenever needed, he shares the patient's name, address, and blood group to gather help.

Often, a single message from him proves to be a lifesaver for a critically ill patient.

His dairy shop near the bus stand has been his "service center" for years. While running the shop, he also continuously conducts blood donation campaigns. Through his efforts, thousands of people have received a new lease on life.

Satendra Pathak says that at one time, seeing many patients suffering due to the unavailability of blood on time, the spirit of service awakened within him. He was then associated with a student organization and had not yet started his private business.

In the year 2000, he joined the Kalyan Ashram organization and became active in blood donation service through the 'Gahira Guru Blood Association'. Since then, he has donated blood hundreds of times and provided blood to countless patients on time. He says, “Arranging blood is not easy, but the effort is always to ensure that help reaches those in need. Donate blood and inspire others as well; one unit of blood can save someone's life.”

He doesn't consider creating private blood groups appropriate. He says that it scares people, so he only posts in public social media groups so that the maximum number of people can connect and help.

Pathak says, “When someone's life is saved by one person's blood donation, that person is also inspired to donate blood in the future. This is the true spirit of 'blood for blood'. The same system exists in blood banks; you donate one unit, and in return, someone's life can be saved.”

He has donated blood many times not only in Chhattisgarh but also in places like Tapkara, Ranchi, Raigarh, etc., in Jharkhand. He smiles and says, “My mother used to scold me, saying that people call me repeatedly and tire me out, but when someone is hanging between life and death, how is it possible to back down?” Satendra Pathak appeals to people, “Every person should donate blood at least three times a year. It does not harm the body; instead, it can save someone's precious life. This is the greatest act of merit.”