Ervad Zarrir Bhandara Honored For 600 Lifesaving Blood Donations

India-West News Desk

ORANGE, CA-The Consul General of India in Los Angeles, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, felicitated Ervad Zarrir Bhandara during Jamshedi Navroze celebrations at the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC), recognizing his three decades of humanitarian service and milestone in blood donation.

Bhandara completed his 600th platelet and plasma donation to the American Red Cross on February 24, marking nearly 30 years of sustained contribution. His donations make him among the most prolific donors in the Indian diaspora.

“Ervad Bhandara embodies the very essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family,” Srinivasa said at the event. “From his early days of service at Mother Teresa’s ‘Asha Dan’ in Mumbai to his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has consistently placed service before self.”

Bhandara’s record of service extends across sectors and geographies. In India, he was a fifth-degree black belt in karate and trained units of the Maharashtra Police under Hanshi Viaspy Kapadia, while mentoring young students. In Southern California, he has supported community initiatives, including hosting consular camps at his former restaurant, Woodlands, and offering spiritual care to critically ill patients during the pandemic.