In a heartwarming gesture 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 former principal, have donated 20 desks and a laptop to two government primary schools in Haveri district. Their contribution, worth ₹2.4 lakh, aims not only to improve learning conditions for schoolchildren but also to spread awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation among younger generations.
Inspired by a constable’s extraordinary service
The couple shared that they were deeply moved after reading about Karabasappa Gondi, a police constable at Adur Police Station in Haveri district, who has donated blood 177 times and inspired thousands of others to do the same. “Though we have never visited Haveri, his dedication touched our hearts,” said Mukambika, former principal of BMS College for Women, Basavanagudi.
She recalled that her husband, who had been active and healthy until 2019, suffered from herpes and later developed complications that led to a blood disorder requiring regular transfusions. “Understanding the need for blood donors, we contacted Gondi and invited him home during his 2024 visit to Bengaluru. We offered him ₹10,000 for his social work, but he politely declined and said he would seek help if needed,” she said.
Donation driven by students’ needs
When the couple asked Gondi about challenges in his region, he mentioned the shortage of desks and a laptop in government primary schools in Akki Alur and Havanagi. Learning that students had been forced to sit on the floor, the couple decided to donate 10 desks to each school, alongside a laptop.
Mukambika said she was delighted to know that Akki Alur now has over 1,200 active blood donors, a result of sustained awareness efforts by Gondi and others in the community.
Schools welcome the support
Gondi noted that the contribution has already benefited around 200 students. “Each five-foot desk can seat four lower-class students. Their generosity will likely encourage more parents to send their children to government schools,” he said.
Headmistress Shobha Patil of Govt Model Kannada Boys School, Akki Alur, and headmaster Rajashekar Hallibail of Govt Higher Primary School, Havanagi, expressed gratitude, saying the initiative has significantly boosted students’ morale and improved classroom learning environments.
A gesture rooted in gratitude
For Shankaraiah and Mukambika, the donation is a tribute to the donors whose blood supports the former officer’s treatment. Their hope is that students who benefit today will grow into compassionate citizens who understand the life-saving importance of blood donation.