Uphold fundamental principles: Governor to Red Cross Society

Our Correspondent KOHIMA, JUNE 24 Governor P B Acharya, who is also the president of the Indian Red Cross Society of Nagaland Branch (IRCSN) called upon the members of Indian Red Cross Society to uphold its fundamental principles like humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. Delivering his presidential address at ceremonial function of the 29th annual general meeting of IRCSN at Raj Bhavan Kohima today, the Governor lauded the team efforts in bringing the society to a stage where it is able to provide humanitarian services not just to the people of Nagaland but to other states as well. He said, the objective of holding annual meeting is to examine the activities of the society and plan for the future and align the work towards achieving their target. He expressed happiness that during the past one year, the IRCSN has undertaken several humanitarian activities like providing ambulance and hearse services, imparting first-aid training and conducting orientation programmes involving students from schools and colleges. “I am also glad to note that besides relief being provided to victims of various adversities in the districts of Nagaland, the state branch could reach out to the flood victims of Jammu and Kashmir by donating an amount of Rs.2,83,940 as relief,” Acharya said. He also acknowledged the chief minister for enhancing the grant-in-aid for the society from Rs.18,00,000 to Rs.25,00,000. Lauding the society for participating in the Swachh Bharat Mission, he expressed hope that the society would take forward its sanitation drive which was launched in 2014 in Kohima and spread to the other districts in coordination with the Swachh Bharat Mission. On the decision of the society to embark upon the inclusion of International Humanitarian Law in its activity, the Governor said the society has an enormous task ahead, and wished the society the best in this new noble venture. Meanwhile, in his address as the vice-president of IRCSN, Chief Minister TR Zeliang said, the society had grown from humble beginning 29 years ago to having branches in all the districts of the state today. He however expressed concern that besides the state headquarters in Kohima, the Red Cross Society is yet to have its own offices in the district headquarters. In this regard, he asked the respective Deputy Commissioners who are also the chairmen of the district branches, to take more proactive role in finding suitable land to set up district offices. While underscoring the need to intensify enrolment drive for the society so that more people could be included in the humanitarian movement, Zeliang expressed happiness that more youth in the state are actively involving themselves in the Junior Red Cross and Youth Red Cross. He felt that such will enable them to imbibe the spirit of understanding and acceptance of one’s civic responsibilities, friendliness and helpfulness to fellow human beings and prepare them to become responsible citizens. He reminded that the aims and objectives of the Red Cross Society are in perfect harmony with the social traditions of rendering help to people in distress, and in harmony with the teachings of Christianity and other religions. The chief minister said, civic and safety consciousness is the need of the Naga society today, particularly in the context of Nagaland being at high-risk earthquake zone. He went on to stress that the people have to take better care of the environment for the sake of future posterity. This, he said, will also reduce the risk of natural calamities such as landslides, flash floods etc which are common occurrences in the state, and will further save life and property. Stating that the mission of the society should not be confined to extending relief, Zeliang encouraged the members of the society to stretch their helping hands towards maintaining peace and tranquillity in the state as well. He also urged the members to uphold the seven principles and continue their noble work with fresh energy and enthusiasm. Three new patrons and three vice patrons were decorated during the function. IRCSN general secretary, Dr. Kepelhusie Terhiija delivered a report of the business session held on June 23 at the Red Cross Complex. The programme was presided by the IRCSN chairperson, Abeni TCK. The gathering, on the occasion, observed two minutes of silence in respect for Sister Nirmala of Missionaries of Charity, who passed away on June 23 in Kolkata.