A school dropout,he has donated blood 145 times

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.

Girme stresses that he does not feel weak or suffers from diseases because of constantly donating blood. “In fact,I hardly fall ill. And I have been as fit as every. Donated 350 ml blood every four months does not affect your health. I will advise every person to donate blood.”

Recalling how he started his blood donating journey,Girme says the first time he donated blood was in 1984 when the then prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated. “I remember there was massive shortage of blood as there were riots at many places in the country. The Kadbe Ali Talim Mandal in Shaniwar Peth had organised a blood donation. A lot of people had turned up and I also joined them. After that I never looked back,” recalls Girme while stressing that his family has never objected,but had always encouraged and supported him. “If I don’t donate blood,I feel uneasy.”

Girme has not stopped just at donating blood,he has also decided to donate his eyes after death. “I have already filled the necessary forms. Let somebody see through my eyes. I am going to leave my mark behind,” he says with pride writ large on his face.