Nagaland governor La Ganesan, who is also the president of the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland (IRCSN) State Branch, on Thursday called upon the people, particularly the youth of Nagaland, to join the mission of humanitarian service.
Addressing the gathering as the honoured guest during the World Red Cross Day 2025 celebration, organized by IRCSN, at the Red Cross Complex here, the governor said that “the challenges of our times demand not just institutional action but the energy and idealism of young hearts.”
Ganesan extended greetings to the Red Cross fraternity and commended the selfless dedication of volunteers and members who, he said, have served as a beacon of hope during times of crisis.
The IRCSN president acknowledged the society’s critical role in providing aid during natural disasters, navigating difficult terrain to reach isolated communities, and offering comfort to vulnerable populations.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s World Red Cross Day—“On the Side of Humanity”—the governor emphasized the importance of embracing core human values, especially during times of adversity.
In moments of crisis, he said superficial differences fade, leaving behind the essence of shared humanity. Ganesan also underlined three key virtues—hope, empathy and kindness—describing hope as the light guiding humanity through darkness, empathy as the bridge that connects people in pain, and kindness as a universal language.
The governor urged citizens to foster a compassionate society starting from their homes and schools, where children are taught to be empathetic and caring.
“True strength lies in reaching out with open hands and open hearts,” Ganesan said. Meanwhile, delivering the general secretary’s message, IRCSN general secretary Akhale V. Khamo, acknowledged the relentless commitment of Red Cross volunteers across the State. She described the day as one that unites everyone under the shared mission of service and compassion.
Khamo said the theme, “On the Side of Humanity”, was not merely a slogan, but the heartbeat of the Red Cross Movement. She recounted the Society’s consistent role in reaching the forgotten and healing the broken, both in Nagaland and across the nation.
She highlighted the contributions of volunteers in transporting the injured, delivering aid to far-flung regions, and establishing branches in emerging districts such as Chümoukedima, Niuland, and Shamator. She said these acts—both big and small—reflected the Movement’s core principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
She paid tribute to the volunteers, calling them “the soul of the organization,” and thanked the staff, team members, patrons, and well-wishers for their trust and support.
The programme was chaired by IRCSN vice chairperson Helena Yepthomi with an opening prayer offered by Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement director Fr. Kokto Kurian.
Jonas Yanthan, MC member of IRCSN, delivered the welcome address, while a special number was presented by Junior Red Cross members from Bayavü English School, Kohima.
The theme was highlighted by Dr. R. Rose Chakhesang, IRCSN MC member, and words of gratitude were proposed by Dr. Theyiephrezo James Solo, also an MC member.
World Red Cross Day, observed every year on May 8, marks the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant and celebrates the global humanitarian spirit symbolized by the Red Cross Movement.