Date:11/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/11/stories/2007051103450200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Practising what he preaches?

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: When Minister for Health R. Ashok came to Bangalore on Tuesday to inaugurate a function on World Red Cross Day, he went straight to the blood bank of the Indian Red Cross Society on Race Course Road and donated blood. This is the second consecutive year he has done so.

But, what prompted his action? When he inaugurated a blood donation camp during the Kargil war, he asked a youth if he had donated blood. When the man answered in the negative, Mr. Ashok sought to know the reason. The man shot back: "Have you donated blood?" Mr. Ashok then quickly registered to donate blood.