Srinagar : The Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir chapter and its District units on Wednesday celebrated the ‘World Red Cross Day-2024’ to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of the Red Cross Movement, Sir Jean Henry Dunant.
The theme for this year’s ‘World Red Cross Day’ was ‘Keeping Humanity Alive’. In Kashmir Division, the main function was held at Red Cross House, Exchange Road, Srinagar.
G.A. Qureshi, Honorary Treasurer, IRCS-J&K was chief guest of the event which was attended by Members and Volunteers from districts of Kashmir Division, students of Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothi bagh and Tyndale-Biscoe and Mallinson School, Srinagar.
On the occasion, the importance of the role of Red Cross and humanitarian work for providing the timely help to the victims of natural or manmade disasters across the globe in general and particularly across Jammu and Kashmir was highlighted.
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.
The chief guest in his address said that the theme for this year’s World Red Cross Day reflects the need to spread the message of humanness as it is more so important in the present-day environment of hardships. It is a matter of great satisfaction that thousands of volunteers of ‘humankind’ particularly of the Red Cross, by their seen, unseen, small or big acts of kindness and helpfulness bring smiles and hope on the face of thousands of families.
He said IRCS did its bit to support needy, destitute, women and children by way of providing ration kits, medicines, hygiene kits, blankets and stationery items to school going children. Today, we salute the selfless volunteers of IRCS and other NGOs 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 smiles to ailing and sick person.
Qureshi said that the Red Cross continues to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of millions of people, keeping the flame of hope burning in even the darkest of times.
Mohammad Rajab, District Executive Secretary, District Bandipora lauded the efforts of the Red Cross during disasters.
The Students from Govt. Girls Hr. Secondary School, Kothi Bagh and Tyndale-Biscoe and Mallinson spoke on the occasion and highlighted the need to care for each other during the times of normalcy and emergent situation.