Ten-day Mega Blood Donation Camp commences at SEEPZ-SEZ

The noteworthy initiative is being held from May 22-31, 2023 in partnership with the Maharashtra State Blood Transfusion Council, ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism

To mark the conclusion of its Golden Jubilee celebrations with a grand gesture of compassion and social responsibility, SEEPZ-SEZ has organised a mega Blood Donation Camp from May 22-31, 2023 in partnership with the Maharashtra State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC), ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism. 

The camp was inaugurated by Shyam Jagannathan, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ. In his welcome address, he pointed out that the SEEPZ-SEZ family has come together for a noble cause which saves lives. He appreciated the support extended by leading brands along with their participation to take this initiative forward and thanked the SEEPZ-SEZ administration team ably guided by CPS Chauhan, Joint Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, with Ranjit Rawool and Anil Choudhary from Indian Customs spearheading the efforts.

Among the specially invited guests of honour, Colin Shah, former Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) conveyed that they have never ever seen such active participation from the employees of SEEPZ-SEZ. He further said that efforts for social cause are being experienced on such a large scale for the first time and the initiative will definitely go a long way.

Rajeev Pandya, President, SEEPZ Gems and Jewellery Manufacturers Association (SGJMA), underlined that the blood donated by one person can save the lives of at least three people and emphasised the importance of donating blood.

Mahindra Kendre, Asstt Director, SBTC thanked the SEEPZ-SEZ Authority for conducting the blood donation drive on such a mass and unprecedented scale.

In his address, CPS Chauhan, Joint Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, shared that the aim of this initiative is to surpass previous achievements and make an even more significant impact on society. Last year's blood donation camp at SEEPZ-SEZ witnessed an incredible outpouring of support, with more than 3,500 bottles of blood collected from selfless donors. Building on this success, an even larger turnout is anticipated this year, with over 5,000 donors employed with over 150 units at SEEPZ-SEZ expected to participate in this year's camp. The collected blood will serve 7 government hospitals at Mumbai, he pointed out. 

He mentioned that during the month of May, SEEPZ-SEZ had received a request from SBTC to conduct a blood donation camp on the same scale as the previous year. “On putting up the proposal to the trade, I got positive response from the trade who voluntarily rendered help, which is much appreciated,” he said. 

Impressing upon the audience the importance of blood donation, he conveyed his best wishes to the volunteers and donors. The JDC reminded all those present that the present period is ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal’ and we should all come together to fulfil the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements for the blood donation camp at SEEPZ-SEZ.

SEEPZ was set up on May 1, 1973, as a single product EPZ for electronic items, the scope was extended to cover gems and jewellery in 1987-88. Over the past five decades it has evolved with being declared one of India’s first Special Economic Zones in 2000, developing into a multi-sector SEZ in December 2019. The jurisdiction of SEEPZ Zone extends across the State of Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli. 37 operational SEZs come under this jurisdiction of Zonal Development Commissioner. 

SEEPZ-SEZ has evolved into the single largest concentration of G&J units globally. Today, the number of G&J units operational has grown to 182, accounting for a quarter of the jewellery imports of the USA, the world’s largest consumer. Overseas markets refer to the jewellery manufactured here as ‘SEEPZ’ jewellery reflecting its high brand recognition and value. It contributes to 53% of India’s studded jewellery export and 31% of the total jewellery exports from India.