The Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with DKMS Foundation, India, organised a workshop on “Stem Cell Transplant Awareness and Potential Donor Drive” at the Main Campus to promote awareness about stem cell donation and encourage voluntary registration among students.
The workshop aimed to highlight the importance of stem cell transplants in saving lives of patients suffering from blood cancer and other serious blood disorders, while fostering community engagement in health awareness initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her address, said that, “Awareness about stem cell donation is an important step towards building a compassionate and health-conscious society. The University remains committed to supporting initiatives that integrate scientific knowledge with social responsibility. Together, we aim to inspire empathy, break barriers, and nurture a community that stands with those navigating the challenges of life-threatening illnesses.”
Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Head, Donor Recruitment Management (DRM), DKMS Foundation, India, informed that over 1,600 individuals from Jammu & Kashmir have registered as potential blood stem cell donors, including nearly 900 from Srinagar. He said that small contributions from individuals can help save lives of patients battling blood cancer and related disorders.
Head, Department of Social Work KU, Prof. Shazia Manzoor, in her welcome address, said that such awareness programmes are essential to sensitise youth about the life-saving potential of stem cell donation.
The event also featured personal accounts of three stem cell donors from Jammu & Kashmir— Dr. Aakarsh Gupta, Amul Aggarwal, and Abdul Raheem Cheche — who shared their experiences of donation and recovery, inspiring participants to come forward as potential donors.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students and faculty clarified doubts and registered through an on-spot cheek swab drive.
The event was attended by faculty members; scholars; and students. The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Aadil Bashir, Department of Social Work KU.
The event proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Dr. Sarafraz Ahmed, faculty at the Department of Social Work KU and vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Javaid Rashid, faculty at Department of Social Work KU.
