Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 8 (EMN): Units of the Indian Red Cross Society across Nagaland observed World Red Cross Day on May 8.
Various updates from the district units informed that the event was observed with programmes advocating the cause and advocacies of the humanitarian organisations.
The Nagaland unit of the Indian Red Cross Society observed the Day in Kohima.
The theme of the programme was ‘What do you love about Red Cross.’
The World Red Cross or Red Crescent Day is celebrated every year on May 8 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of Red Cross, and the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
The advisor for Rural Development, Dr Neikiesalie Kire, spoke about the importance of volunteering.
To him, if people have concern for others in times of need, and offer help accordingly, they are already a Red Cross member even without an official registration.
It is important to do things out of concern and love, he said and appealed to the people to take a step further and assist wherever help is required. One should not expect rewards from doing good things, he said.
'Because, good deeds are seen by the Almighty and that is all that matters,' he added.
One must always keep in mind the seven fundamental principles of Red Cross—humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, he said. He lauded the Red Cross members in Nagaland for their contribution to the citizens in many ways.
The legislator felt that the Red Cross members need to 'achieve more' though, when it comes to responding to emergencies in the state.
Kire suggested that the members establish a tie-up with the disaster management authorities.
Saying that natural calamities happen when one least expects them, he said citizens need to be prepared to respond to emergencies in the future.
The official asked the people to not be complacent with the excuse that 'nothing will happen in the land.' Instead, they need to be prepared to face any eventuality, he said.
Also, he opined that the Nagas have become 'very negative in their outlook.' He appealed to adopt a positive outlook in their lives.
On disaster response, Kire asked whether or not the IRCSN might give practical training to the communities.
This will enable them to be mentally and physically prepared during times of emergency in the state.
Further, Kire spoke of an issue which the IRCSN can play a part too: prevention of HIV/AIDS.
It can do so by interacting and educating the people, especially the youths, concerning said issue, Kire suggested.
The general secretary of the IRCSN, Dr Kepelhusie Terhüja, said that the Nagaland Red Cross had been trying to do its best in many fields.
The Red Cross society is a big family as it is spread across the world, and it is guided by a principle to put things into action, he said.
Terhüja mentioned that there were about 97 million Red Cross members across the world. India has 700 branches.
The IRCSN is 33 years old and takes active part in aiding people during emergencies and disasters. He said that there was a need for people to change from the behaviour and culture of violence, to non-violence.
The Red Cross official added that India will be celebrating 100 years of being a part of the organisation.
He suggested the stakeholders insist the Indian Red Cross to sign the two Geneva Protocols that has not been signed by India to mark 100 years of the organisation in India.
Under the leadership of the state's governor, who is the president of the IRCSN, they would device 'birds heaven', a place where they would save the birds and introduce in all the different districts, he said.
Further, he said that if all the tribes, political groups and factions and churches in Nagaland will respond and sign the Geneva Code, violence in the stated will be minimised.
Many Nagas tend to have the mindset of ‘What will I get if I join Red Cross.’ However, he clarified that it is not about what one gets but all about ‘what one can offer.’
India will celebrate 100 year of Red Cross society next year, but it is yet to sign two additional protocols of the Geneva Convention. He appealed to the people to work together towards achieving the goal.
Also, he asked the people to join the society as members to help more people in the future.
The Nagaland unit has been part of the Red Cross for the past 33 years.
Students of Mount Sinai Higher Secondary School and Holy Family Higher
Secondary School sang during the event too.
The governor of Nagaland PB Acharya wishes the Nagaland unit of the organisation all the best as it celebrates the Day.
"I am very happy to note that Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland state branch and the state of Nagaland will be joining the rest of the world in observing World Red Cross Day on 8th May, 2019," Acharya stated in a message that was issued to the media on Wednesday. 'This day gives us an opportunity to recognize the amazing work of volunteers and staff who go out rendering selfless humanitarian services and saving lives every day.'
'Red Cross has shown its presence on several occasions since its inception and it will always be present everywhere for everyone with its full service.'
The governor said that the theme for this year's World Red Cross Day i.e., “What you love about Red Cross” was a guiding mantra for its members, volunteers and staff to express that they were born to love and not to hate each other.
'They not only love the near and dear ones but also those who just need a few words of love and care and shared by people “being humans.”'
Since its inception, he said, the Nagaland chapter of the IRCS has grown and has been rendering humanitarian network in the state by providing humanitarian values, disaster response and health care in the community.
"I wish Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch all success and good luck on this auspicious day in all their future endeavours," he added in the message.
The Dimapur district Red Cross Society observed World Red Cross Day with the district's Deputy Commissioner Kevekha Zehol, who is also the president of the Dimapur IRCS, as 'special guest.' Swami Chinmaynanda Ji Maharaj was the guest of honour, the IPR stated in its updates on Wednesday.
The event was conducted at the Pranabananda Women's College in Dimapur.
Addressing the gathering, the deputy commissioner highlighted his association with the Red Cross Society.
He said that the utmost and real joy in life is in 'helping people we don't know and will never know,' the IPR stated.
Zehol expressed concern at what he said was the 'incomplete' district Red Cross building which is stated to be 'left unattended for some time.'
There is a need for a hearse too, the updates from the IPR stated. He called upon the office bearers to enrol more members in the district too, the IPR added.
A similar programme marking World Red Cross Day was held at the DBHSS youth centre in Wokha, the IPR stated.
The chairman of the Wokha IRCS, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon said the International Red Cross movement is an international humanitarian movement with approximately 17 million volunteers, members and staff worldwide.
The organisation was formed to protect human life and health, ensure respect for all peoples and to prevent and alleviate human suffering. It was founded in 1863 at Geneva, Switzerland.
Manazir said that it was the largest humanitarian organization in the world. He added that the main function of the Society was to extend aid to soldiers and victims of war; disaster relief; blood collection and to provide community
education and outreach.
The officer said there are about 112 life members in the district. He expressed the need to publicise the organization to increase its enrolment.
The first Red Cross Day was celebrated on 8 May 1948. The official title of the day changed over time, and became "World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day" in 1984.
