Blood donation pioneer Kanta Krishen passes away at 95

Krishen served as Secretary of the Blood Bank Society, established in 1964. She led the voluntary blood donation movement, starting in Chandigarh, expanding across North India, and eventually throughout the country. Under her leadership, Chandigarh became the fountainhead of the safe blood movement.

Her tireless efforts in educating people about the safety of blood donation and motivating lakhs to donate were recognised by the Government of India, which awarded her the Padma Shri in 1972.

Over her lifetime, she received numerous accolades, including the President’s Gold Medal, the Mother Teresa Award from ISBTI, and the Republic Day Award from the Chandigarh Administration in 1996.

Krishen served as the Secretary and later as President of the Blood Bank Society. She was also the Founder Secretary of the Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohematology for 24 years.

In addition to her work in healthcare, she was a founding member of the Indian National Theatre, promoting Indian classical music.

She was instrumental in filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) through the organisation Common Cause, leading to the landmark 1996 Supreme Court judgment banning the buying and selling of blood in India. Following this, she persuaded the Government of India to formulate the National Blood Policy.

Her voluntary work over six decades has saved millions of lives.

Krishen had diverse interests, including gardening, cooking, stitching, flower arranging, and Indian classical music. She excelled in every endeavour she pursued.

She is survived by her son, Sanjiv Krishen, married to Deepa; two daughters, Anu, married to Purinder Ganju, and Niti Sarin, married to Manmohan (Mac) Sarin. Niti and Mac continue her legacy as Secretary and President of the Blood Bank Society, respectively. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In accordance with her wishes, her body has been donated to PGI for medical research.