Atul Singh – Saving Lives through his ‘Blood Journey’ across India

by Sitaram Nayak

Atul Singh’s story is one of unwavering commitment to the service of humanity, rooted in his humble beginnings in a village in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh. Currently residing in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Atul’s journey of compassion began early in his college days, where he pursued a degree in Information Technology.

Driven by a profound sense of purpose, Atul initiated the ‘Raktabhiyan’ mission, which translates to ‘Blood Journey’, aiming to dispel myths surrounding blood donation and ensure its availability across the nation. His motivation stems from a personal tragedy when a friend’s mother lost her life because she did not receive blood in a timely manner. Since then, Atul has been on a mission to prevent such occurrences by encouraging people to donate blood regularly.

‘Raktabhiyan’ aims not only to encourage blood donation but also to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the process. Atul’s approach involves traveling to every state and union territory in India, donating blood, and engaging with communities to raise awareness about the importance of regular blood donation. Through his tireless efforts, he hopes to inspire people to commit to donating blood at least once a year, preferably on their birthdays, thereby creating a sustainable and consistent supply of blood across the nation.

‘Raktabhiyan’ has taken Atul to various corners of India, covering 18 states so far, with Andhra Pradesh next on his itinerary. His approach involves not only donating blood but also organizing awareness camps and distributing pledge sheets, urging people to commit to donating blood. He spends considerable time interacting with locals, addressing misconceptions about blood donation and discussing ways to alleviate blood shortages.

Additionally, Atul has taken a proactive step towards creating new blood donors across the country by initiating a nationwide pledge-taking drive. Through pledge forms and pledge cards, he encourages individuals to commit to becoming regular blood donors.

Atul’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond blood donation. He has organized numerous relief camps in disaster-stricken areas, providing essential supplies and support to those in need. Most recently, he led a relief camp in Delhi to aid flood- affected communities, providing essential supplies and support for three weeks.

Atul’s dedication to social entrepreneurship has earned him recognition, including prestigious awards such as the ‘Karamveer Chakra Award’, ‘Kalam Achiever Award’, and the esteemed ‘Saryu Ratan Samman.’ The latter holds a special place in his heart as it was bestowed upon him in the presence of his community, evoking immense pride and gratitude. He is also India’s book and world book of records holder for the youngest to donate blood in the most states of India.

As a testament to his commitment, Atul has founded the ParNav Foundation, focusing on education, disaster relief, and blood awareness. Through this platform, he continues to expand his reach and impact, with ongoing blood donation drives across various states.

Atul’s vision encompasses not only solving immediate challenges but also inspiring the youth to engage in meaningful social change. His relentless pursuit of alleviating blood shortages serves as an inspiration, setting a precedent for compassionate leadership and community service.