Hubballi: Inspired by the spirit of blood donation in Akki Alur, retired Bengaluru couple N Shankaraiah, 78, a former superintendent of police, and his wife Mukambika, 71, a retired principal, have donated 20 desks and a laptop to two govt primary schools in Haveri district. The couple contributed equipment worth Rs 2.4 lakh as a gesture of gratitude, as Shankaraiah frequently requires blood due to a blood disorder. Their donation aims not only to support schoolchildren but also to spread awareness about the importance of blood donation among future generations.Mukambika, former principal of BMS College for Women, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, said they were moved after reading about Karabasappa Gondi, a police constable at Adur police station in Haveri district. “He has donated blood 177 times and has motivated thousands to donate. Though we have never visited Haveri, his dedication touched our hearts,” she said. She recalled that her husband, who was fit and fine until 2019, suffered from herpes and later developed other complications before being diagnosed with a blood disorder that now requires regular transfusions. “Understanding the need for blood donors, we contacted Gondi and invited him home during his 2024 visit to Bengaluru. We offered him Rs 10,000 for his social work, but he politely declined and said he would seek help if needed,” she added.Later, when the couple asked him about challenges in his region, Gondi mentioned the lack of desks and a laptop in govt primary schools in Akki Alur and Havanagi. “When we learnt that students were forced to sit on the floor, we decided to donate 10 desks to each school,” she said. Mukambika said she was delighted to learn that Akki Alur now has over 1,200 blood donors following Gondi’s sustained efforts.Gondi noted that the couple’s contribution has benefited around 200 students. “Each 5-foot desk can seat four lower-class students. Their generosity will likely encourage more parents to send their children to govt schools,” he said.Shobha Patil, headmistress, Govt Model Kannada Boys School, Akki Alur, and Rajashekar Hallibail, headmaster, Govt Higher Primary School, Havanagi, said the initiative has significantly boosted students’ morale.
