Pedaling for a cause

Many young people aspire to pursue higher education abroad after completing Grade 12. Often, they believe that there are limited opportunities in Nepal, and look to migrate to foreign countries. However, Sandesh Subedi from Kushma, Parbat, holds a different opinion. Instead, he is actively serving his nation by spearheading a campaign for blood donation. Sandesh knew about the significance of blood in human life during a critical period in his own family. When he was in Grade 6, his mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and their family faced a shortage of blood for her treatment. Tragically, Sandesh’s mother eventually passed away. However, this experience inspired Sandesh to honor her memory by actively engaging in blood donation. “I realized the critical need for blood when my mother was undergoing treatment at Neuro Hospital in Kathmandu. It was difficult for our family to arrange blood during that period,” Sandesh shared.

Sandesh has taken a unique approach to spearhead his campaign by combining it with cycling. The inspiration to incorporate cycling into his mission came to him when he had the opportunity to meet world cyclist Ajit Baral. Recognizing the numerous health benefits associated with cycling, Sandesh saw it as the perfect medium to promote his blood donation campaign.

“After meeting Ajit, I was inspired to use cycling as a means to advocate for blood donation,” Sandesh shares. Not only does cycling promote physical well-being, but it also provides an excellent platform to raise awareness on the importance of donating blood, he added. “If a patient needs blood, it has to be given by somebody. If you don’t donate blood, it doesn’t mean you will have excess blood in your system. Similarly, donating blood does not deplete your own blood supply,” Sandesh said, adding, “A person can donate 350ml of blood at a time, and it can be preserved for three to four weeks, providing a valuable resource for those in need.” “Contrary to misconceptions, blood donation does not harm the body. The donated blood replenishes within 24 hours. Individuals in the age group of 18-60, weighing more than 45 kg, and in good health without any chronic diseases can donate blood. After donating once, it is possible to donate blood again after three months.” During his journey, Sandesh shares these vital pieces of information with the people he meets. "It is important for people to understand that even if we don't donate blood, it will eventually get destroyed within our bodies," he stated. “It is important to educate people and debunk the misconceptions surrounding blood donation. Many individuals still hold the wrong belief that donating blood will make them weak. Meanwhile, countless lives are being lost due to blood shortages." Sandesh successfully completed the 1,028-kilometer journey in one month. During the trip, he managed to actively engage 558 individuals in the blood donation program. During the trip, Sandesh received memberships of Nepal Red Cross Society and the Nepal Blood Donors' Society. “The support and encouragement of these organizations played a significant role in motivating me throughout the journey," he added. Collaborating with the youth, students, and local communities, Sandesh took the initiative to organize awareness programs about blood donation in various parts of the country. "Blood donation brings about dual benefits," Sandesh explained. "Firstly, when one donates blood that would otherwise be naturally destroyed within the body, it revitalizes the donor's own system. Secondly, and most importantly, it saves lives." Sandesh believes that blood donation is one of the most profound acts of service that one can perform. Reflecting on his journey and the impact of his campaign, he said, "Throughout this endeavor, I have been blessed with the gratitude of numerous people. Even though my own mother departed this world prematurely, I take solace in knowing that I have fulfilled her dream as she used to tell me social service is the greatest religion.” Sandesh has compiled an extensive list of activities pertaining to blood donation. He aims to expand the reach of his campaign to districts that were not covered during the Mechi-Mahakali cycling tour. His primary goal is to raise awareness and educate people in those areas about the importance of donating blood.