Ditching Online Games for Offline Social Initiatives – “Young School Kids are Changing the Fate of Thalassemia in the City”

Praneel Dewan educates villagers about Thalassemia

“Thalassemia, an incurable, inherited blood disorder is characterized by less oxygen-carrying protein and fewer red blood cells in the body than what is normal. From symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale & yellow skin the disorder is also the cause for slow growth and facial bone deformities. However, the cure for the same depends upon the degree of severity and the kind. With an average incidence of Thalassemia Minors being 3.9% in India, every 1 of 25 Indians are expected to be traced with the same.”

Praneel Dewan educates villagers about Thalassemia

This relatively high number was an alarming news for him when he decided to generate some awareness to ensure that future generations don’t suffer similarly Lack of awareness and knowledge is directly proportional to the growing cases of children with Thalassemia. “Thalassemia is passed from parents to the newly born in case of presence of traits of Thalassemia in both. It heightens the chances of a child to be born with Thalassemia major by 25%. On reading about the disorder I decided to do some research and initiate the awareness,” adds Praneel.

The awareness campaign saw camps being organized throughout Delhi. With a focus on urban youth between the age of 26-35 years as the audience, he also worked with the Rotary Blood Bank to spread waves of conscious realizations at prime locations including Malls like the Select City Walk Mall in Saket. From volunteering at an event of Thalassemia at the Fortis Hospital in Gurugram to an awareness campaign in Noida to brief the villagers about Thalassemia, he went on meeting as many people and spoke about the disorder making sure the objective is well met. Major unawareness of the same amongst the youth and elders didn’t come as a big shock thus the educating initiative about the dangers of the disorder were offered in the best possible manner. Other activities included explaining the procedure of testing. “Whereas Delhi and Gurgaon turned out to end on an impactful note, Noida didn’t seem to have a similar response. From villagers being unaware about it, I decided to spread Hindi pamphlets to explain the cures, symptoms and ways of getting tested,” adds Praneel.

As young children are leading campaigns and education based awareness camps, it is safe to foresee a bright sun in future.

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