‘World Red Cross Day’ observed across Nagaland

Speaking as the chief guest during the programme, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Kesonyü Yhome, said the job of the Red Cross Society anywhere in the world was to quietly render help to those in who were in need.

He said, helping out people should not always be flashed out in newspapers or to gain recognition but like the founder of Red Cross Society, Henry Dunant, every help given out to someone should be done with a human touch and not for publicity.

As being the president of the IRCS, Dimapur District, Yhome, thanked the chairman of the blind school for opening the doors to Red Cross so that the latter could give help even in a small way.

On behalf of the IRCS, Dimapur district branch, Yhome assured any possible help to the school and requested them to come forward if there was any need.

On the sidelines of the function, Yhome also inaugurated a tubewell constructed for the school by IRCS, Dimapur district branch.

Dimapur District Citizen’s Forum president Joseph Lemtur, who was also the guest of honour during the programme gave a short speech.

Earlier the event was coordinated by IRCS, Dimapur district branch MC member-Kuldeep Jain, chairman-Chandu Agarwal delivered the welcome address, honorary secretary KK Paul gave the keynote address. 

IRCS, Nagaland, state executive member Helana Yepthomi gave a speech, IRCS, Dimapur MC members, Md. A Rahman and Narola did the felicitation while treasurer Bhagchand Jain proposed the vote of thanks.

KOHIMA: The Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch observed the World Red Cross Day under the theme “Less known Red cross stories” at the conference hall Red Cross Complex Kohima with Director General of Police Nagaland L.L. Doungel, as the chief guest on Monday.                   

Chief guest in his address highlighted the background of Henry Dunant, the founder of Red Cross who had a huge influence in his humanitarian works and his contribution especially his book on ‘A memory of Solferino’. Doungel also shared that Christian background of Nagas had also helped in reducing the ravages of conflict.

Doungel pointed out that because of the formation of the Red Cross and the signing of the Geneva Convention, today although war was not prevented, the ravages of war has been mitigated. 

Citing example based on Naga context, Doungel urged the Red Cross members to translate the work into local relevance where different communities live together. He lauded and appealed to the gathering to emulate the recently demonstrated example of Moatsü celebration at Mokochung where Angamis were invited wherein spirit of the Red Cross was introduced among individuals and communities.

In his welcome address, general secretary IRCSN Dr. Kepelhusie Terhüja gave a brief introduction of Henry Dunant and the formation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Red Crescent Movement in 1863. He narrated how Henry Dunant’s book ‘Memory of Solferino’ influenced and gathered international attention towards the cause of the victims both soldiers and civilians, which led to the creation of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. 

The program was chaired by Abeni TCK, chairperson, IRCSN, invocation prayer said by Rev. A.S. Vaosok, pastor Tangkhul Baptist Kohima, students of Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School and Rev. Dr. Neiiezhü Usou Memorial School, Kohima performed the song “To Believe”, students of Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima also performed “Heal The World” while vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Neiphi Kire, Member, M.C. IRCSN.  (Correspondent)  

LONGLENG: World Red Cro ss day was observed at DC conference hall Longleng today with deputy commissioner Longleng, Denngan Avennoho Phom as the chief guest. 

Speaking on the occasion, DC highlighted the importance of Red Cross Society which he termed as a noble job which sacrifices voluntarily for the welfare of humankind. Asserting that World Red Cross Day was celebrated every year with an aim to lessen people’s suffering, DC called upon the gathering to enhance the dignity of selfless service in protecting the lives of mankind in times of emergency and disaster basing on the fundamental principles of Red Cross Organization which include Humanity, Impartiality, Voluntary and Neutrality. The chief guest also called upon the members of Longleng district Red Cross Society to be ready and dedicated to serve anywhere and anytime when the situation called.  

Y.B.Angam Phom, honorary secretary Red Cross Society Longleng branch highlighted the significance of World Red Cross Day.

Earlier the programme was chaired by Dr. Henshet Phom vice principal Yingli College and v/chairman IRCS Longleng Branch, invocation was said by Mongngoi Phom associate pastor LTBC, vote of Thanks was delivered by H. Leisha Phom, treasurer IRCS Longleng while benediction was pronounced by Chingthai Phom pastor, Police Baptist Church Longleng. (Correspondent)

MON:  In Mon the DC and chairman IRCS Mon district branch, W. Honje Konyak while addressing the gathering called for re-dedication, to promote and inspire the human dignity. He appealed to all the people of the district to be enrolled in Red Cross Society to help others through voluntary service. 

Medical Officer, District Hospital Mon, Dr. Ngampa Sangme as resource person spoke on the seven fundamental principles of Red Cross such as humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

Ngampa stated that RCS accepts donations in cash or by way of cheques and demand drafts and for donation one could contact nearest state/UT/District Red Cross Branch. The donations are eligible for rebate under section 80G of the Indian IT Act. Volunteer/ Youth Red Cross and Junior Red Cross were the backbone of all Indian Red Cross activity. 

Earlier the programme was chaired by honorary secretary, ICRS Mon District Branch, Nyamto Wangsha and relief distribution to handicap was handed over by the DC, Mon. (Correspondent.) 

WOKHA: In Wokha the day was observed with ADC Wokha, K. Thavaseelam as the chief guest. 

According to DIPR report, Thavaseelan stated that unlike other organisation/societies the fundamental principle of the Red Cross society was based on four main core areas, promoting humanitarian principles and values, disaster response, disaster preparedness and health and care in the community. 

Presenting a brief report and activities of the district honorary secretary IRCS Wokha branch, Dr.K.Z. Ovung said that, Wokha branch has been inviting different schools and colleges to observe the World Red Cross Day every year. He maintained that the society has also raised Red Cross Corpus Fund to assist the district during calamities. The society has sponsored 20 differently abled children and has distributed Rs. 500/- each during Republic Day celebration this year and free medical camp was conducted at Wozhuro on March 25, he added. With the assistance from the society, students from Wokha District also participated during State level painting and essay competition.

For this year’s celebration the society has invited Springdale and GHSS, Wokha to observe the programme, he said. The function was chaired by Jandeno Kikon.

PEREN: In Peren the programme was held by Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Peren District Branch with the staff and students of Baptist Higher Secondary School, Peren in Peren town hall.

Chairman, IRCS Peren District Branch, Albert, speaking on the theme traced the noble origin of the Red Cross movement by Sir Jean Henry Dunant. He also encouraged the students and participants to give their selfless services for the hapless and the needy so that universal ‘peace through humanity’ may be achieved.

The programme was chaired by vice chairman, IRCS Peren Haideutad, Dr. Hiazuheing Ndang, pastor, Police Baptist Church invoked God’s blessing, treasurer I. Heigang proposed vote of thanks and benediction was pronounced by patron IRCS Nampeu Nza.