O P Sharma
The Red Cross Society, the world-wide humanitarian organization, is celebrating this day ( May 8, 2023) in UTs of Jammu and Kashmir; and Ladakh as else where in India and across the globe with the theme ” Everything we do comes #fomtheheart” with enthusiasm and commitment. The WHO ( World Health Organisation observes the Day with different themes every year for sensitising the general masses about health issues and ensuring adequate medical services with the overall objective of “Health for All”. This year’s theme is very important and need focussed attention by one and all citizens.
The basic aim of celebrating the World Health Day is aimed at ensuring well being of the entire humanity irrespective of religion, caste, colour or gender. This movement has very wide network throughout the globe for undertaking selfless service for mitigating the sufferings due to man -made or any natural calamity. This organization has the proud record of service in India as also in the strategic and sensitive border areas of Jammu and Kashmir over the years. These past months and years have been marked by multiple crisis that have spared no one and have hit the most vulnerable people the hardest but we have come out of each situation with success. The humanitarian emergencies and other situations underline the need for such bodies like Red Cross Society or agencies-official and non-official to mitigate the sufferings of humanity.
Vital Theme
This year’s theme: “Everything we do comes#fromtheheart” by the Cross Society is being observed on May 8, 2023 in Jammu and Kashmir with enthusiasm like other parts of the country and across the globe. Variety of public- participated programmes have been chalked out for this purpose. .
The Lt Governor Manoj Sinha , who is president of this organisation in UT of Jammu and Kashmir, has already under-scored the need for enlarging its sphere of activities for optimal service to of the people. Divisional Commissioner, Jammu is vice president. In an interview with me, Secretary, Red Cross Society, Jammu region ,Sat Pal Sharma told me that activities of the society have been geared and more resources raised for carrying on welfare activities.
Noble Mission
On the eve of Red Cross Day , Mr Sharma gave details of the activities and achievements of the selfless services of this organisation. He also narrated the story of this social organisation, its selfless service and the long and pivotal role it plays in the welfare of the people by rendering service to the poor and needy people in emergency situations over the years across the globe. He said he has taken up the job as a mission of serving the society.
Answering a question, he stated that efforts are afoot to involve maximum men , money and material , especially the youth and students to ensure their full participation to obtain optimal results. He said on this day special awareness programmes will be organised to enlist the co-operation and participation of all segments of the people. This society also looks after the special multi-storey ” Sarai” for accommodation of patients/attendants undergoing treatment in the adjacent Government hospital, Jammu, he added.
It may be mentioned that the Red Cross Society has lived up to its reputation of rendering service to the persons in distress. It has a long history of service with smile whenever, wherever there is urgent need, the Red Cross team as angels of hope and relief reaches the spot.
Tasks Ahead
The task before this welfare organization are challenging indeed. The Indian Red Cross Society has mobilized itself up to the situation for extending relief to the victims at all times of need.
Red Cross Day is observed on May 8, being the birth anniversary of Jean Henri Dunant , founder of this great humanitarian movement in the world . After a traumatic personal experience of battle in Solferine , Mr. Dunant, a Swiss businessman wrote a book” A Memory of Solferino “and pleaded for formation in all countries voluntary relief societies to work in the battle-field. And in 1864 the first Red Cross Society came into being but then it was confined to medical care and welfare of wounded soldiers. Subsequently , it undertook all other welfare works as well
Vision and Mission
This organization has a Charter of Seven Fundamental Principles which are : Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence , Voluntary Service , Unity and Universality for mitigation of human sufferings .
Now, some tangible schemes like mobilizing resources , enrolment of volunteers and their trainings as also vigorous implementation of important projects are underway for the benefit of weak and distressed.
Indian Red Cross Society, national federation of over 600 branches in the country with its head- quarters at New Delhi, do inspire, encourage and initiate all forms of humanitarian activities. It functions under the India Red Cross Society Act passed in 1920 and the President of India is Chief Patron at the national level while its Jammu and Kashmir UT branch is headed by the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha.
Healing Touch
As the premier and largest voluntary agency in the country , the Red Cross has entered a number of welfare fields in a big way over the years. A commendable job was done during 1947 in relief, repatriation and rehabilitation work for mass exodus of refugees. Then again, it repeated its good work in 1962, 1965 and 1971 war and also during other conflicts. Its performance during the peace- time too is pivotal and also praise- worthy.
The Red Cross Society has rendered commendable service but much more still remains to be done .All of us must join hands with Red Cross Society for doing our part of welfare service.
The spirit of Red Cross must be preserved and also further streamlined and strengthened by involving the people particularly the youth and students in the humanitarian missionary work.
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