Lt Narwal’s family to hold blood donation camp today

Family members of Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal, who was killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, are set to hold a blood donation camp in Karnal on his birth anniversary, May 1, to pay tribute to the young officer.

Lt Narwal’s father, Rajesh Narwal, has urged people across the region to donate blood in the memory of his son. “If people donate blood in his name, it could save many lives. This would be the biggest tribute to him,” he said.

The camp will be organised at Maharaja Agrasen Bhawan, Sector 8, Karnal, from 9.30 am to 2 pm with the help of various organisations. The family said, if Lt Narwal deserved the status of a martyr, he should be given it.

“For us, he is already a martyr. Whatever the government decides, will be right. But if it feels that he deserves the status, he should be given it. The government is taking major steps, and we are confident that it will certainly take appropriate action against terrorists,” said Rajesh Narwal. He added that, if fit to do so, the entire family would be among the first to donate blood.

“We will get our medical check-ups done, and, if everything is fine, we will be the first ones to donate blood,” he said.

Lt Narwal’s sister, Srishti Narwal, echoed similar sentiments, calling for her brother to be recognised as a martyr if the government deemed it appropriate.

“We had many dreams, but God’s plan prevailed. We are now channelling our grief into something meaningful — saving lives through blood donation,” she said.

The family has also urged the government to honour Lt Narwal by naming an institution in Haryana after him.

Lt Narwal’s mother emotionally remembered her son, saying, “My son dedicated his life to the nation. I wish every citizen walks on the path he showed — one of service, sacrifice and love for the country. His birthday must be remembered forever.”

Pritpal Singh Pannu, founder-chairman of the National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists (NIFAA), who is assisting the family in organising the blood donation camp, supported the call and demanded that the government confer martyr status on Lt Narwal.

Haryana Tribune