Having campaigned for blood and organ donation all his life, Dr RB Bhesania did not fail to lose the opportunity to promote the cause, even though it was his daughter's wedding which was taking place.
More than 350 people donated blood in the most appropriate of wedding gifts that Dr Bhesania and his daughter could have asked for, reports The Times of India.
"The idea was to spread awareness about donating blood and organs. Wedding is an auspicious occasion to make people understand the importance of life. My daughter Dhvani and son-in-law Jay Pandya (both doctors) readily agreed to donate their blood on the wedding day. It was the best wedding gift for us," said the proud father of the bride.
"We had decided not to give any gold or valuables to our daughter. Instead, we asked the couple to take a pledge they would donate their blood and body as well. The couple also took the pledge that they won't support female foeticide, stay away from tobacco products and encourage others for blood and organ donation," Dr Bhesania, who also registered the event for Guinness Book of World Records and Limca Book of Records, said.
In a gesture of communal harmony, many Muslims also followed suit and donated blood during the wedding. Three years ago, a similar donation camp was organised by the doctor during his son Siddharth's wedding.
When it comes to organising blood donation camps during weddings and condolence meetings in the state, Dr Bhesania has established himself as a trend-setter. He has organised such camps on numerous occasions in Gujarat, even in the Saurashtra region, which is seen as being conservative.
