Seva Sankalp Abhiyan launched in Odisha with mega blood donation drive on PM Modi's birthday
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on 17 September 2026 launched the month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' in Bhubaneswar with a mega blood donation camp, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday. The campaign is being organised to commemorate the Prime Minister's 25-year journey in public governance, described by state authorities as a period defined by service, dedication, and nation-building.
The Blood Donation Camp
Chief Minister Majhi attended the mega camp held at the IDCO Exhibition Ground, Unit-3, in Bhubaneswar. The camp set a collection target of more than 6,500 units of blood in a single day. Majhi underscored the state government's commitment to ensuring that no life is lost prematurely due to a shortage of blood.
'Saving a life by donating blood gives us a sense of having upheld our high human values. No matter how far science advances, there is no substitute for blood, and it cannot be manufactured in any factory,' he said.
Atal Blood Donation Abhiyan and Budget Allocation
To institutionalise blood security across Odisha, the state government has separately launched the 'Atal Blood Donation Abhiyan', backed by a dedicated allocation of ₹50.54 crore in the 2026-27 Budget. Under this initiative, blood banks are being established in new medical colleges, while existing facilities are being modernised to expand coverage and reduce shortfall risks across the state's 4.5 crore-strong population.
What CM Majhi Said on PM Modi's Legacy
Extending greetings to Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the people of Odisha, Chief Minister Majhi described Modi as 'the architect of a developed India,' crediting him with transformation through, in his words, '50 long years in public service and 25 years of uninterrupted governance.' Majhi added that India has emerged as an influential geopolitical and economic power, citing self-reliance gains in semiconductors and space technology, and noting that defence imports have reportedly declined from 70 per cent to 35 per cent. He expressed confidence that the goal of a 'Viksit India' will be achieved before 2047.
Call to Youth and Broader Significance
Addressing young people at the event, Majhi urged them to dedicate time from their daily lives to social work as the 'greatest tribute' to the Prime Minister. The month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' is framed not merely as a government programme but as a 'people's movement of human service and sacrifice,' according to the Chief Minister. Notably, the campaign links civic volunteerism — particularly blood donation — to a broader political narrative around PM Modi's governance milestone, reflecting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state administration's alignment with the Centre's outreach messaging.
Further events under the Abhiyan are expected across Odisha through the course of the month, with health and community service drives planned at the district level.