HE is a familiar face when it comes to donating blood in the Central Division.
Hasmukh Lal Chauhan, 68, is not only going strong at blood donation but has become a powerful advocate for many.
The friendly, talkative and open-hearted person has saved the lives of many with his kind deed. One cannot miss his face at blood drives organised by the Ministry of Health in the capital.
Chauhan, a retired car dealer, first donated blood when his sister was in need of blood in 1972.
With the universal donor blood type (O Negative), he never looked back and continued saving lives.
"People sometimes call me in the middle of the night asking me to donate blood. I have never let anyone down when it comes to saving lives which is my priority as a donor," said Mr Chauhan.
To date, he has donated 85 pints of blood -- something he is proud of.
His children have asked him to stop donating blood because of his age and health but the old man thinks otherwise.
"I know my children are thinking good of me but I cannot say no to anyone who comes to me with a request.
"So, I might continue to attend to urgent cases and perhaps refrain from doing regular donation at blood drives in Suva every now and then but I will continue to do my counselling bit which I have been doing all this while."
He has been awarded many trophies and certificates for his support and community spirit.
The man who arrived from India in 1951 now considers Fiji his home.
Staying fitness and healthy eating is what he values most in life, which he says, is his secret to healthy living without any sickness at his age.
"Your health is your wealth, so you have to look after it."
He encourages young people to donate blood.
"I started donating blood when I was in my early 30s and it is my dream to cross the 100 mark.
"If a person starts donating in his 20s, he will definitely cross the 100-pint mark when they reach my age," said Mr Chauhan, wishing he had started earlier.
"Every pint of blood will help save a life so, please think of those who need it because you might need it someday as well," he said with an emotional tone.
