International Kite Festival in Uganda Contributes 275 Pints of Blood to Address Shortages

The International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) organized by the Shree Kutchi Leva Patel Samaj (SKLPS) community and the Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (SKSS Temple) in Kampala has successfully collected 275 pints of blood. The festival, held on January 14, included a blood donation drive as part of the community’s annual charitable initiatives.

Ms. Anita Halai, the vice-chairperson of SKLPS, stated that the blood donation drive is a regular feature of their annual outreach programs aimed at benefiting communities within and outside Kampala. Last year, the community organized a medical camp in Tororo District, providing health services to over 4,000 patients. The community plans to focus on menstrual health in future outreach programs.

Mr. Manish Siyani, chair of SKSS Temple, highlighted the community’s commitment to charitable activities and mentioned the construction of a complex that houses a Swaminarayan Temple, a school, and a proposed medical center. The complex also features sports facilities to promote a blend of quality education and extracurricular activities.

Mr. Suresh Patel, chairman of SKLPS, discussed their past health initiatives, including a health camp in 2022 that attracted over 25,000 people. They are planning an eye camp targeting patients with eye disorders, particularly focusing on KCCA (Kampala Capital City Authority) schools.

Mr. Ramesh Halai, chairman of Shree Sahajanand School in Uganda, emphasized that the school, built by the community, is open to both Indian and local communities. The school currently has 736 students receiving high-quality education based on the Uganda National Examination Board curriculum. Plans include starting an international curriculum to extend professionally organized programs.

In India, the kite flying festival, known as Uttarayan, symbolizes the start of the planting season or the onset of the harvest season in different parts of the country. The festival in Uganda brought together the community for both cultural celebrations and charitable activities.