After losing son, this man fights to save others through blood donation

CHHAPRA: When Tarique Anwar lost his eight-year-old son Aayan Fahad to blood cancer in Oct 2024, his world collapsed. But from that unbearable grief emerged a purpose so powerful that it has now become his life's mission – saving lives through blood donation.A resident of Bada Telpa in Chhapra, 37-year-old Tarique has donated blood 16 times and organised 26 blood donation camps in less than a year. He calls it a sacred act, born from a father's heartbreak and turned into a lifelong tribute."If my blood can save someone's life, then no worship is greater than this," he said.On June 14, World Blood Donor Day, Tarique will once again roll up his sleeve. For him, it is a solemn vow he renews in memory of his son.

"Apni us jang ki yaad mein jo unho ne Fahad ki yaad mein ladi, ab har Fahad ke liye lad raha hoon (In the memory of Fahad, for whom I once fought a battle, I now fight for every Fahad)," he said.Born to a family of academics, Tarique is the third of four sons. His father, Mohammad Isha, is a retired govt school headmaster. His mother, the late Ashman Khatun, was the family's guiding light. He has three sisters and his wife, Bilkish Jahan, serves as a govt medical officer in Katihar.

Despite his own pain, Tarique's resolve has inspired over 100 young people to step forward and donate blood. He has worked tirelessly to bust the myths and fears around blood donation, especially the belief that it weakens the donor. His slogan is as direct as his message – "Jhijhak todiye, agar swasth hain to raktdaan kariye" (Break the shyness. If you are healthy, donate blood)."Society may be shrinking, but stories like these can inspire. I can never bring my son back, but through this pious work, I feel a sense of healing," he said.