To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Gulbarga Catholic Diocese, a Blood Donation and Eye Check-up Camp was jointly organized by the Indian Red Cross Society, Kalaburagi, and the Catholic Association, Kalaburagi at the Mother Teresa Auditorium, St. Mary Church Campus, Court Road, Kalaburagi, on October 12, 2025. The event began with a prayer and blessing led by Most Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. The camp was inaugurated by Smt. B. Fouziya Taranum, IAS, Deputy Commissioner and President of the Indian Red Cross Society, Kalaburagi.
Fr. Joseph Praveen, Parish Priest of St. Mary Church, Kalaburagi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Sri Arunkumar Loya, Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society, Kalaburagi, shared inspiring words highlighting the value of voluntary service. The event also witnessed the presence of distinguished Guests of Honour — Dr. Ivano Lobo (HOD, Pulmonary Medicine, ESI Hospital, Kalaburagi), Dr. Veeresh Korwar (Medical Superintendent, Basaveshwar Hospital, Kalaburagi), and Dr. Jagadish Kattimani (HOD, Blood Bank, GIMS Hospital, Kalaburagi).
The program was presided over by Dr. Kiran George, President of the Catholic Association, Kalaburagi, who appreciated the collaboration between the Red Cross Society and the Diocese in promoting humanitarian causes. Around 50 generous donors came forward to donate their blood for this noble cause, contributing to the mission of saving lives and spreading hope. The eye check-up drive also benefited several participants through medical consultations and guidance.
The organizing team comprised Ravindra Shabadi, Hon. Secretary, IRCS Kalaburagi; Dr. Syed Sanaullah, Coordinator for Blood Donation Sub-Committee, IRCS Kalaburagi; and Mr. Sandyaraj Samuel, Co-coordinator for Eye and Blood Donation, Kalaburagi. The event beautifully reflected the message “Through Humanity to Peace,” bringing together faith, service, and compassion. It concluded with gratitude to all donors, doctors, and volunteers who made this life-giving initiative a success in celebration of the Diocese’s 20 years of mission and service.
