When 45-year-old Kishore Dattatrya Girme returned home with a trophy and a certificate after being felicitated by the Sassoon Hospital last year in October, his wife had tears of joy in her eyes. She went around the area and proudly showed it to whoever mattered.

Not just his wife, but his entire family was equally delighted. Grime was felicitated for his “outstanding social contribution.” A contribution that probably has few parallels.

Studied barely up to Class VII in a PMC school, Girme donates blood four times a year. In last 25 years, he claims that he has donated blood at different places and different times for 145 times. “I have collected nearly 75 certificates in all these years and there are several acknowledgements from mandals and social and voluntary organisations and even by political parties. Eight organisations and even the government’s Sassoon Hospital have recognised my contribution by honouring me with an award. This has only inspired me to keep going,” says Girme, father of two school-going boys.

A driver by profession who barely earns Rs 6,000 a month, Girme says since his objective is social cause, he does not take a single penny from anybody for donating blood. “People offer me money, but I have consistently refused to take a single paisa. I do it to help out fellow human beings. If I take money, the value of blood will come down drastically,” reasons Girme, whose blood group is B positive.

Girme lives in Phadke Haud area of Kasba Peth where residents speak highly of him. Mangesh Nerudkar, president of the Vajradevi Tarun Mandal, said people like Kishore Girme are few and far in this world. “You call him anytime of the day and night, he will come calling. He also does not make any distinction,” Nerudkar said.

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