On a mission to make people smile

On a mission to make people smile

Shabir H Khan, a blood donor, has created a record of sorts by donating 133 pints of the rarest of rare O-negative blood to save the lives of people in the Kashmir valley. Welcome to the world of Shabir H Khan, 46, a skilled papier-mâché worker, who, for the last 32 years, has been on a mission to bring smiles to the faces of the people. Curfew, bandh or gun roars, Khan hasbraved all to reach out to people in distress in the valley. “I donated blood for the first time in 1980 when a fellow footballer got injured. I voluntarily donated blood and saved his life. Since then there has been no looking back. I am just a phone call away for people who need my blood," Khan told DNA. However, his social work has come at a cost. In pursuit of happiness for others, he has not been able to settle down in life. His job of a skilled papier-mâché worker has suffered to the extent that his earnings have dropped considerably leaving his parents in dire straits. “Who will marry me? I am earning less than Rs2,000 monthly. My work has taken a hit because I cannot devote time to my work. Papier-mâché is a full time job. Skipping work means fewer returns. Plus my social work needs commitment," he said Despite suffering on the personal front, Khan has no grudges with life and wants to continue his mission. “I am married to my cause. That gives me enough satisfaction to reinvigorate my commitment to save lives," he said. During the height of 2010 unrest, Khan organised blood donation camps at different places to help the injured people in need of blood in the hospitals. “We organise blood camps so that there is ample stock in the hospitals. It is not only in Kashmir I have rendered my services in other states too. During Tsunami I spent 90 days in the affected areas as a part of first aid service," he said. Khan’s social work notwithstanding, J&K government is seemingly oblivious to his contribution. This year too he missed the state award in social services category despite being nominated years back. “I am donating blood to fulfill my duties towards God. But it hurts when you do not get award particularly after you have been nominated," he lamented.