Indian Red Cross Society, J&K Celebrates World Red Cross Day

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)

Srinagar – The Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir chapter and its allied Regional and District units today celebrated the World Red Cross Day 2022 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of Red Cross Movement, Sir Jean Henry Dunant.

The theme for this year's World Red Cross Day was 'Be HumanKIND'. The main function was held at Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh Srinagar. Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Honorary General Secretary, IRCS J&K was Chief Guest of the event which was attended by members of Managing committee of IRCS, different Heads of Departments, Representatives of various NGO's, Life members, staff and volunteers of Red Cross.

While welcoming the Chief Guest and other participants, G.A. Qureshi, Honorary Treasurer, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir said:“Crisis and disasters have spared virtually no one in the past years and have hit the most vulnerable the hardest. In the worst situations, Red Cross staff and volunteers remain lifelines to local communities, sometimes at risk to their own safety. They remind us why we must invest in local action and nurture humanity and kindness.”

On 8 May, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement celebrates the dedication, compassion, courage and impact of millions of volunteers and countless others who offer help, care, and life-saving services to people in their communities.

Mohammad Shafi Rather, Managing Committee Member and former Honorary General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir lauded the efforts of Red Cross during disasters and in his address said,“Red Cross volunteers are COVID-19 first responders, working tirelessly to prevent the spread of the virus and support those most affected. They are on the ground in disaster and conflict-hit places, checking in on neighbours and strangers, ushering them to safety and care, providing first aid and distributing essential supplies. They are people who routinely put others first in the service of their communities”.

Rather added,“Every day, Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers see first-hand how kindness relieves suffering, brings comfort, lights up the darkest moments and restores dignity.“Amid so much hardship, loss and uncertainty, we encourage people around the world to believe in the power of kindness and to keep the kindness coming.”

Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir in his address said,“Men and Women on earth plateau is a specie, generally known as 'Mankind' but the ones who imbibe culture of love, affection, helpfulness, kindliness, friendliness, compassion and sympathy are called humankind. The theme for this year's World Red Cross Day“Be HumanKIND” reflects the need to spread the message of humanness as it is more so important in the present day environment of hardships due to Covid-19 and social, economical and psychological consequences thereof. It is a matter of great satisfaction that thousands of volunteers of 'humankind' particularly of Red Cross, by their seen, unseen, small or big acts of kindness and helpfulness brought smile and hope on the face of thousands of families. IRCS did its bit to support needy, destitute, women and children by way of providing ration kits, medicines, sanitizers and masks, hygiene kits, blankets and stationery items to school going children. Today we salute the selfless volunteers of IRCS and other NGO's who by their compassion and kindness alleviated the suffering of people. Apart from support in kind, the thousands of pints of blood donated by various individuals brought smile to ailing and sick person. He thanked Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir (Chairman, IRCS, Kashmir Region) for his tireless effort to help construct 'blood bank' and smart health service facility by way of construction of 'Red Cross House'.

At the end M.R. Mattoo, Honorary Secretary, IRCS, Kashmir Region thanked all the participants. He specifically and empathetically expressed his gratitude to volunteers of IRCS and other social activists associated with various NGO's for their spirit of kindness and helpfulness at every crisis, disasters, pandemic. They contribute and remain available for services without any remuneration or financial gain. Most of the volunteers have donated blood not once but hundreds of times to save human lives. He had heartfelt thanks for them. He thanked Director School Education and Principal Govt. Girls Hr. Sec. School, Kothibagh, Srinagar for every help to organize this event. Their auditorium is always kept available for us to organize similar events.

Proceedings were conducted by famous TV host and broadcaster Azhar Hajini.

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