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For the fourth year in a row, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) has conducted a blood donation camp in Ranchi with the NGO ZINNIA — a mass awareness initiative originally envisioned by the late Amitabh Chaudhary, former president of the association. It was Chaudhary’s heartfelt idea to turn his birthday into a day of giving, encouraging those who came to wish him to donate blood instead. Sadly, he witnessed only the first edition of this noble initiative before his untimely demise.
However, the JSCA has since then kept his vision alive, continuing the annual drive in his memory — a lasting tribute to a man who believed in serving society beyond the boundary ropes. Whoever walked into the stadium on Sunday felt an unmistakable pull — not from the game, but from the spirit of giving. There was no compulsion, no pressure — just an atmosphere so charged with goodwill that everyone felt drawn to be part of something bigger. Even I, someone who had never donated blood before, felt tempted.
JSCA president Ajaynath Shahdeo firmly advised me against it. “Don’t get into it if you’ve never done it before,” he said categorically. But the euphoria in the air was impossible to ignore. It wasn’t just a blood donation camp — it was a celebration of legacy, of kindness, and of Amitabh Chaudhary’s vision.
I felt like a hero — until MS Dhoni, with his trademark wit, brought me back to earth. After planting a sapling with Ajaynath, newly appoint secretary Saurabh Tiwary and joint-secretary Shahbaz Nadeem and officials, he looked at me and said with a smile, “You should get a role as a villain.” Classic Dhoni. And just like that, in one line, the legend reminded me that even on days dedicated to heroes, every good story needs its villain.
The most heartwarming part of the day wasn’t just the number of people who donated blood — it was the fact that no one was judging those who didn’t. There was no pressure, only encouragement. It was a celebration of choice, compassion, and community.
Over 100 donors from all walks of life who came forward, and nearly another 100 were present just to support the cause — standing in solidarity, helping with logistics, spreading awareness, or simply being there to carry forward a mission that’s grown into a tradition — just like Dhoni. In a world quick to measure participation in numbers, this event reminded us that sometimes, just showing up and standing by a cause is equally powerful.
Good work by JSCA to keep continuing the dream of their late president.
Good to see Dhoni doing things he believes in
No greater spirit than the spirit of Humanity and no better bonding of humanity than through the medium of sports .A wonderful initiative and should be adopted by all Cricket Associations just like CAB has been doing it .Rest in Peace Amitabh Sir and you have been instrumental in Bihar Cricket and it’s development and administration in Indian Cricket .Request wide publicity for such events to make it more memorable and more in numbers to serve a bigger cause .Love Always
Good stuff
Thank you
Lovely piece Basu
Thank you