Tripura Leader of Opposition Jitendra Choudhury on Sunday said blood donation was an important social exercise that helped preserve human-to-human relations and inculcate a sense of humanity in society.

Choudhury was speaking after attending a blood donation camp organised by the Tripura Government Employees’ Association (TGEA) in Agartala.

Drawing a comparison between advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the irreplaceable nature of human blood, Choudhury said technology was increasingly being accepted as an instrument to build a new world and was being used for various creative purposes.

“I am not trained in the use of computers. In recess, I use artificial intelligence out of curiosity to learn more about it,” he said, adding that AI was being used for creative works such as creating photographs and adding music.

“But blood cannot be created artificially. I feel it should not get created in order to ensure that human-to-human relations remain protected,” he said.

Choudhury said blood donation should not be viewed only as an exercise to save the life of a critically ill patient. He said such initiatives also contributed to the mental and social nourishment of people.

“People don't survive on food. Mental and social nourishment is also equally important,” he said.

Referring to incidents where blood donation camps were allegedly attacked, Choudhury said the development raised questions about the need to preserve humanity in society.

“It is stated that humans are the best creation of the world, but that is not the truth. We are living in a world where blood donation camps get attacked,” he said.

He said society needed to continue inculcating values and practices that helped people retain the “essence of humanity”.

Choudhury also praised the role of TGEA, saying the organisation did not restrict its activities to the interests of its members but contributed to society more broadly.

“TGEA is not an organisation that keeps the interest of its members at the centre stage. This organisation works inclusively for the whole of humanity and contributes to the society in their capacity,” he said.

He said the scale of an organisation's impact should not be assessed only through its membership strength.

“Only membership numbers don't matter. The greater goals and social contribution should be kept into account to measure the magnitude of its impact on society,” Choudhury said.