A native of Changanassery in Kottayam district, Vinod's legacy continues through the lives he touched and the countless patients who benefitted from his life's mission.
Published Jul 15, 2025 | 12:29 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 15, 2025 | 12:29 PM
Vinod Bhaskaran. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Vinod Bhaskaran, founder of Blood Donors Kerala and a former KSRTC conductor, passed away at 48 on 15 July. A tireless social worker, he turned a Facebook page into a life-saving movement. Blood Donors Kerala connects donors, supports patients, and runs various humanitarian initiatives across Kerala. Vinod’s legacy of compassion continues to impact thousands even after his passing.
”Tears of a mother cannot save her child. But your BLOOD Can. Blood is meant to Circulate, Pass it on… Be a volunteer, SAVE A LIFE!!!”, is the slogan of one of Kerala’s most impactful blood donation networks — Blood Donors Kerala.
Vinod Bhaskaran, the driving force behind the network has passed away at the age of 48, on Tuesday, 15 July. He died while undergoing treatment for liver-related complications at a private hospital in Ernakulam.
His final rites will take place once his brother, who is currently abroad, returns home.
A native of Changanassery in Kottayam district, Vinod’s legacy continues through the lives he touched and the countless patients who benefitted from his life’s mission.
Vinod Bhaskaran, who worked as a KSRTC bus conductor, was not just known for his profession but for his extraordinary commitment to social service. Known for his humility and tireless efforts, Vinod was someone who always placed others before himself.
His close associate and fellow founding member Vinod Babu remembered him as a man with ”A heart that beat for everyone.”
Whether it was disaster relief or hospital assistance, Vinod was often at the forefront, volunteering and organizing help. His sudden demise has left a deep void in the hearts of many who knew and worked with him.
Apart from blood donation, Blood Donors Kerala actively engages in a wide range of social initiatives throughout the year, driven by the dedication of its committed team members.
Under its core mission of blood donation, Blood Donors Kerala arranges donors, conducts blood donation camps, and runs awareness campaigns across the state.
One of its notable humanitarian efforts is Sneha Sadhya, a weekly initiative held every Sunday, where members come together to prepare, pack, and distribute food to the needy in hospitals across various districts. Sponsored by well-wishers from around the globe, this program has become a regular act of compassion in many parts of Kerala.
Through another initiative, Sneha Puthappu, Blood Donors Kerala provides clean and comfortable bedsheets to patients in government hospitals and palliative care centres, ensuring a sense of dignity and hygiene for those in need.
Another heartwarming initiative is Sneha Kilukkam, aimed at bringing joy to children battling cancer at RCC, Trivandrum, by distributing toys and chocolates collected from generous donors.
During the festive season, Blood Donors Kerala also carries out Onam Kit Distribution, supplying essential grocery kits to underprivileged families, made possible by the support of its vast network of well-wishers.
What began in 2011 as a humble Facebook page named “We Help” with the aim of promoting social good soon transformed into a full-fledged movement. Witnessing the recurring shortage of blood in hospitals, Vinod conceptualized a more structured approach to tackle the crisis.
In 2014, Blood Donors Kerala was officially launched to systematically connect blood donors with those in urgent need. Under Vinod’s vision and guidance, BDK evolved into a registered charitable trust (REG.NO.KTM/TC/840/2014) and grew beyond Kerala, establishing active chapters in the UAE and Kuwait.
Today, BDK is one of the most trusted platforms for blood donation in the region. Through a strong and dedicated network of coordinators, the organization has successfully bridged the gap between donors and recipients—even during critical emergencies.
Despite the ongoing challenge of blood shortages nationwide, Vinod’s initiative stands out for offering timely, life-saving support, reaffirming how one individual’s idea can transform countless lives.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
