Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav calls for stronger district Red Cross branches, trained volunteers and emergency resources across the state
DIMAPUR — Nagaland Governor and President of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Nagaland State Branch, Nand Kishore Yadav, has called for strengthening district-level Red Cross branches, with trained volunteers and emergency resources, to ensure timely humanitarian assistance across the state, particularly in remote villages.
Addressing the “Dinner With a Purpose” programme organised by the IRCS Nagaland State Branch at Golden Jubilee Hall, Cathedral, Kohima, on Saturday, Yadav said Nagaland’s difficult terrain, scattered habitations and vulnerability to landslides, floods, fires and other emergencies made preparedness, local presence and the ability to respond quickly essential.
He said strengthening district Red Cross branches should be an important priority, with an active network of trained volunteers, identification of local vulnerabilities, availability of basic emergency resources and close coordination with district administrations and other agencies.
According to a press release, the Governor stressed that people in remote villages should have the same opportunity to receive timely humanitarian assistance as those in urban centres.
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Describing volunteers as the backbone of the Red Cross movement, Yadav underscored the need for continuous training in First Aid, disaster preparedness, emergency response, blood donation mobilisation and community awareness.
He also called for strengthening the Humanitarian Corpus Fund to ensure sustainable financial support for humanitarian activities. Appealing to patrons, vice patrons, institutions, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-wishers to contribute generously, he stressed the need to strengthen the Emergency Relief Fund so that essential relief materials, First Aid and medical support could reach affected families without delay during emergencies.
On voluntary blood donation, Yadav said blood could not be manufactured and could only be obtained through donation. He encouraged the Red Cross to collaborate with hospitals, educational institutions, youth organisations and civil society to promote a strong culture of voluntary blood donation throughout Nagaland.
He further called for stronger partnerships with district administrations, the Health and Family Welfare department, disaster management authorities, hospitals, churches, educational institutions, civil society and youth organisations to establish the Red Cross as a permanent humanitarian presence in communities.
Encouraging greater participation of young people in the movement, he said nurturing a new generation of trained and committed volunteers would help build a strong humanitarian network capable of serving the state for generations.
Chief Minister and Vice President of IRCS Nagaland State Branch, Neiphiu Rio, described the initiative as a welcome step and called on people to extend greater support to the Society to enable it to continue its humanitarian services.
Recalling the Society’s establishment in 1982, Rio acknowledged its contributions to the people of Nagaland and its consistent presence at the forefront of relief and humanitarian efforts during natural calamities and disasters in the state. He expressed hope that those present would contribute generously towards sustaining and strengthening its services.