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Chandra Viswanathan on Altruism and Donating Blood
Chandra Viswanathan/ResearchGate
Dec 13, 2025, 16:19

Chandra Viswanathan on Altruism and Donating Blood

Chandra Viswanathan, Consultant at PlasmaGen BioSciences, shared on LinkedIn:

”Recognizing Arts and Altruism in Higher Education

Today I came across a forward where an IIT Director spoke about wanting to give credit to aspiring students trained in fine arts—music, dance, instruments, painting, etc.

What a progressive thought!

Artists learn discipline, resilience, presentation, and the ability to face both success and failure with grace.

These qualities make them not just better performers, but better professionals and human beings.

As someone passionate about Carnatic music, I know how often young people pause their artistic journey to pursue demanding careers. Yet the values instilled through the arts remain lifelong assets.

I would like to extend this vision further.

If we recognize the arts as a desirable quality in future engineers, doctors, and scientists, why not also recognize voluntary altruistic blood donors, platelet donors, and stem cell donors?

1. Donating blood or plasma is a social commitment.
2. It reflects gratitude for good health and empathy for those less fortunate.
3. It costs the donor nothing, yet saves countless lives.
4. The pride of being a life-saver is indescribable.

As a blood banker and fractionator, I have spent years counseling young adults and college students about this responsibility.

Sadly, despite efforts, universities have not yet embraced the idea of awarding recognition or credits to such socially committed individuals.

If sports enthusiasts and artists are welcomed in our temples of learning, then surely life-savers deserve the highest category of recognition.

Otherwise, the donor species risks becoming extinct.

This move by the IIT Director fills me with hope.

It is time we celebrate not only those who nourish the arts, but also those who sustain humanity through their selfless acts.

Let us encourage institutions to honor and welcome socially aware individuals who do their bit for the sick and the helpless.

Arts inspire. Altruism saves.

Both deserve a place in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.”

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