The 50th Golden Jubilee Blood Donation Camp was inaugurated by former MLA Ulhas Pawar and young entrepreneur Punit Balan, who lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the occasion, at the Shri Sadguru Shankar Maharaj Samadhi Math on Tuesday (June 3). A total of 321 devotees supported the noble cause by donating blood.
The Shankar Maharaj Samadhi Trust is the only organisation that has consistently organised blood donation camps on every Durga Ashtami for the past 50 months. In recognition of this dedicated service, the Maharashtra Government previously honoured the Trust with a memento.
As part of its social initiatives, the Trust distributes free khichadi meals daily to over 5,000 college students. Free food is served every day at three key locations: Savitribai Phule Pune University, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal, and Dharmveer Sambhaji School in Navi Peth. This was revealed by Trustee Surendra Waikar.
Speaking on the occasion, Ulhas Pawar emphasised the importance of religious institutions such as temples and Maths undertaking not only spiritual activities but also conducting social initiatives that foster a spirit of service in society. He noted that such programmes provide meaningful guidance to the youth by connecting them with devotion to Sadguru Shankar Maharaj and encouraging them to contribute to social welfare. He added that these efforts bestow a spiritual foundation to community service.
Young entrepreneur Punit Balan pledged full support to the Math’s annadan (food donation) initiatives. During the event, Ram Bangad, the camp coordinator, was also felicitated for his service.
