World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on June 14 to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and to thank voluntary, unpaid donors. The date honors the birthday of Austrian biologist Karl Landsteiner, who won the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking discovery of the ABO blood group system.
The global event was first established in 2004 by the World Health Organization (WHO) alongside key health partners, including the International Red Cross, to encourage regular, voluntary, and unpaid blood donations. By 2005, it was officially designated as an annual global event by the WHO's 192 Member States during the World Health Assembly.
The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME), North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), in collaboration with the Office of the Dean Students' Welfare (DSW), successfully organized the observance of World Blood Donor Day 2026 along with MedTech Fest 2026 on 13th June 2026 at the BME Seminar Hall, NEHU Shillong.
The event was conducted under the theme: "One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Life"
The program aimed to create awareness regarding the importance of voluntary blood donation, encourage humanitarian values among students, and promote innovation in healthcare technology through student-led research and development initiatives.
INAUGURAL SESSION
The program commenced with the welcome address and opening remarks by the organizing committee. The gathering was graced by about 100 number of distinguished guests, faculty members, researchers, students, and innovators from various departments.
The dignitaries highlighted the critical role of voluntary blood donation in saving lives and emphasized the need for students to actively contribute towards societal welfare through awareness and service.
The World Blood Donor Day segment focused on educating participants about the importance of safe and regular blood donation.
The program successfully conveyed the message that a single blood donation can save multiple lives and that voluntary donors form the backbone of healthcare support systems worldwide.
MEDTECH FEST 2026
Alongside the World Blood Donor Day observance, the Department organized MedTech Fest 2026, providing a platform for students, researchers, and innovators to present their ideas and technological solutions in the field of healthcare and biomedical engineering.
Participants presented concepts, prototypes, research solutions, and innovative healthcare products before an expert evaluation panel.
Several engaging activities were organized during the event to encourage participation, learning, and interaction among students.
Quiz Competition Winners: Sabnam Nargis Khanam
MedTech Fest Innovation Competition Winner: Sukrit Modak
WINNERS
MedTech Fest Innovation Competition Winner: Sukrit Modak
For presenting an innovative healthcare-related concept and demonstrating excellence in technical innovation and problem-solving. Quiz Competition
Winners: Sabnam Nargis Khanam
For outstanding performance in the technical and healthcare awareness quiz.
The event was successfully coordinated by the students of the Department of Biomedical Engineering under the guidance of faculty members and the Office of the Dean Students' Welfare.
The observance of World Blood Donor Day 2026 and the successful conduct of MedTech Fest 2026 reflected NEHU's commitment towards healthcare awareness, social responsibility, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning.
The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates, appreciation of participants and volunteers, and a formal vote of thanks acknowledging the support of the Dean Students' Welfare, faculty members, judges, guests, student coordinators, and all participants.
The event served as a meaningful platform to spread awareness about voluntary blood donation while simultaneously fostering innovation and technological advancement in healthcare among young researchers and students.
2026, North-Eastern Hill University
Designed & developed at Bioinformatics Centre, NEHU
