Hyderabad – On World Thalassaemia Day, a 15-year-old student from Hyderabad is proving that age is no barrier to making a real difference.
Samarth Lamba, a high schooler, has become a young champion for those suffering from thalassaemia, a serious inherited blood condition that affects thousands in India. Deeply moved by the struggles of children living with this disease, Samarth launched an initiative called Hb CARE. His mission is to spread awareness, promote blood donation, and encourage early testing to help tackle the disorder.
“One moment changed everything for me,” Samarth recalls. “I saw suffering and knew I had to act.”
In just one year, this teenager has turned his empathy into action.
Through Hb CARE, Samarth has:
– Raised over ₹7.5 lakh, combining ₹2.5 lakh from crowdfunding and ₹5 lakh from corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
– Reached more than 7,000 people through social media and public outreach.
– Held five major blood donation and awareness camps in partnership with The Blood Warriors Foundation.
These events were hosted at prominent venues like Badruka College, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Technology (MGIT), KBR Park, and the Premiethon Extramile Marathon, which saw more than 3,000 attendees.
But this effort is about more than just events. Samarth’s project builds habits. It encourages regular blood donation, supports those living with thalassaemia, and stresses the importance of early detection.
Each camp features educational flyers, live registrations for blood donors, and starter kits for participants. At the first event alone, over 40 units of blood were collected, and more than 500 students took part. By the fifth event, the project had touched thousands of lives.
Samarth’s dedication has caught the world’s attention. He was invited to speak about his work at the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at UC Berkeley in the United States. His efforts were also spotlighted in the Times of India in 2024, praising his impact on society.
Even while managing schoolwork, Samarth is thinking big. He plans to expand Hb CARE to more than 10 cities across India. His long-term goal? To blend technology and healthcare, possibly through a career in computer science or social entrepreneurship.
Thalassaemia remains a global challenge, affecting hundreds of thousands. But Samarth believes change starts with awareness and collective action.
“Testing and education can stop this disease before it starts,” he says. “We need more students, schools, and communities to step up.”
On this World Thalassaemia Day, Samarth Lamba stands as proof of what one determined individual can do. His story is a call to action—and a reminder that even the youngest voices can lead powerful movements.
