Naushad Akhtar/Gaya (Bihar)

At 18, Faizan Ali was pursuing a degree in business studies when life showed him a deeper calling. More than academics or ambition, he realized what truly mattered to him was serving humanity.

"If you genuinely want to share someone’s pain, age and education don’t matter—what matters is passion. The day you feel accountable to society is the day you begin to serve it," Faizan told Awaz-The Voice.

Now 23, Faizan Ali from Gaya, Bihar, stands as a shining example of what selfless service looks like. Raised in a modest household, he never imagined his life would veer so sharply from a corporate future into community work.

Circumstances shaped him. What began as an instinctive response during the COVID-19 crisis has now evolved into a powerful movement: the Human Hood Organization (H2O).

Though the idea began to take form in 2017, it was during the pandemic that H2O truly emerged. Initially focused on blood donation, the organization quickly expanded its mission.

Today, H2O performs last rites for unclaimed bodies, distributes food to the hungry, provides clothing and blankets to the poor, organizes plasma donations, delivers emergency medical aid, promotes menstrual hygiene, and leads disaster relief efforts.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when even blood banks were running low on supplies, Faizan and his team saved 24 lives through urgent blood donations. The team comprised college students, elderly citizens, Hindus, Muslims, and women—all united by one cause: saving lives. 

Their motto says it all: “When life needs saving, give blood. There’s no greater reward than knowing your blood helped a stranger live.”

Muslim women in the team are defying social norms. Volunteers like Manisha, Zainab, Sadaf, Nishat, Rumaan, Aditi, Shabnam, and Amrita balance academics and humanitarian work.

Faizan’s leadership is strategic and inspiring—akin to a corporate manager steering a national campaign. Under his guidance, H2O has set up a robust blood donation network that spans Gaya, Jehanabad, Dehri-on-Sone, Sherghati, and even to far-off Delhi and Varanasi.

He recalls a moment when someone urgently needed blood in Delhi, and a volunteer from their network responded immediately—proving how deep their commitment runs.

The names behind H2O are more than just volunteers—they're heroes: Saifi Khan saved cancer patient Abhay Sharma, Nawab Alam helped Alka Sinha, Hamid Khan assisted Usha Devi, and Mohammad Aqib saved Neeraj Kumar.

Each act of kindness not only reflects the spirit of humanity but also serves as a beacon of communal harmony. These are stories of Hindu-Muslim unity, where human need erases all divisions.

But H2O’s work extends far beyond medical emergencies. The group provides food for the homeless, delivers winter relief in the form of blankets and clothing, performs last rites for the forgotten, and responds to natural calamities. Whether during the devastating Kerala floods or local emergencies in Bihar, H2O has always stepped up.

Faizan’s resilience was most visible during Ramadan in 2021, when he was delivering oxygen cylinders to COVID-19 patients. Amid his relief work, he received the heartbreaking news of his father, Ata-ul-Rehman’s, death. It was a moment that could have shattered anyone—but Faizan continued his work undeterred. This strength earned him accolades like the Bihar Shaurya Samman and Magadh Ratna Award.

For Faizan, giving blood is both literal and symbolic: "We must give life through our blood so that we continue to live—not just in our own bodies, but in others as well."

Headquartered in Gaya, Human Hood’s reach now spans cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Lucknow. The organization’s mission is to ensure that no one dies for lack of timely help—and to awaken the spirit of community service in every citizen. To that end, Faizan has launched internship programs that train young people in grassroots development and humanitarian work.

Today, Faizan Ali is an icon of youth-led change in Bihar. His efforts are increasingly being recognized on social media and by news platforms. His team works with unwavering dedication, bound by shared compassion and purpose. In one poignant moment during his interview, Faizan said:"Whether I live for 100 years or not, I want to donate blood 100 times and live forever in the hearts of thousands."

Faizan’s story proves that service doesn’t require age, wealth, or degrees—just empathy and commitment. In a world often clouded by self-interest, individuals like Faizan stand out as beacons of hope.

READ MORE: Dr. Mumtaz Nayyar's fascinating journey from Bihar to UK Lab

His journey, which began in the lanes of Gaya, now resonates in the hearts of youth across the country. Faizan Ali reminds us all that with conviction and courage, one person can make a world of difference.