Nagaland joins celebration of World Red Cross Day

Everything we do comes #fromtheheart’ 

Morung Express news 
Kohima | May 8 

Governor of Nagaland and President, Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch (IRCSN) La Ganesan today described Red Cross volunteers as the lifeblood of the organisation whose work is underpinned by a deep sense of understanding of the challenges faced by the communities they serve. 

He was addressing the celebration of the World Red Cross Day at Dr Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima under the theme ‘Everything we do comes #fromtheheart.’ 

He said that an inspiring aspect of the work of the Red Cross was the role of Red Cross volunteers who provide essential support and assistance to those in need. 

“Their work is underpinned by a deep sense of understanding of the challenges faced by the communities they serve,” the Governor remarked. 

While pointing that the work of the Red Cross serves as a powerful example of the positive impact that we can have on the world, he pointed that it embodies the spirit of kindness and compassion.

The Governor encouraged all present to contribute in your own capacity for humanitarian service with the Red Cross Society so that we can build a more peaceful and sustainable community to make our world a better place to live in.

He further called to celebrate the spirit of humanity and the commitment to pledge to support Red Cross and build a more compassionate and resilient world.

The Governor reminded that the work of Red Cross is driven by compassion, empathy and kindness and called to remember that “everything we do, from our personal interactions with others to our work in our communities and beyond, comes from the heart.”

He added that it is through acts of kindness and generosity that we can make a positive difference in the world. 
Akhale V Khamo, General Secretary, IRCSN delivered a short message and read the message from RK Jain, Secretary General, IRCS Headquarters, New Delhi. 

Jain said India was the fastest growing economies in the world and described that it continues to address the challenges of inequality and uneven human development wherein volunteers play a critical role to ensure that neighborhoods, villages and communities become a little better everyday. 

He asked to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism and recognise the individuals who make a difference in their communities. 

Chairman, IRSCN Abeni TCK in her address expressed her happiness that the Red Cross Nagaland has been part of the world wide effort and mission through the numerous activities and conducting regularly. She encouraged everyone to be ambassadors of humanitarian service wherever we may be and be the person that acts from the heart, serves from the heart and loves from the heart.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Helena Yepthomi, Managing Committee Member, IRCSN and Dr R Rose Chakhesang, Managing Committee, IRCSN presided the programme. Songs were presented by Youth Red Cross, Mount Olive College, Kohima and Junior Red Cross, Mount Sinai Hr Sec school, Kohima.

Zunheboto: Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Zunheboto district branch celebrated World Red Cross day at DC’s conference hall on May 8. 

Deputy Commissioner and chairman of IRCS Zunheboto branch, Rahul Bhanudas Mali said, ‘one should always help neighbors irrespective of caste or creed’ and that it should always come from the heart, stated a DIPR report. Taking the Bible reference “thou shalt love thy neighbours,” he added that humans have the ability of reasoning and making things right and so encouraged everyone to always have a clear conscience and help one another. 

He further added that for making society a better place the administration and IRCS alone cannot do it and so requested everyone to always cooperate and help one another.

IRCS Zunheboto, Secretary, Dr G Hokishe Sema chaired the meeting and delivered the keynote address. He informed that supply of relief materials (Blankets, clothes, kitchen materials, soaps, etc) to fire victims under Zunheboto will be given in a few days and also the team will be visiting the orphanage home at Sukhalu village to supply blankets in a few days.

Earlier, invocation was said by Dr Hutton Sumi, Pastor SBCZ, while Tuden Ozukum, Pastor, Zunheboto Ao Baptist Arogo pronounced the benediction.  

Wokha: Wokha district celebrated World Red Cross Day at DC’s Conference Hall, Wokha with ADC Wokha, Furhesie Nyuwi as the special guest.

A DIPR report stated that speaking during the programme, Nyuwi said it is celebrated for the remarkable humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross Movement people acknowledge and honour the tireless work of the Red Cross volunteers and staff who wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to promote humanity across the globe.

He said everything they do comes from the heart and it is through the power of compassion, empathy, and selflessness that the movement continues to make a difference in the lives of millions. He urged everybody to pledge support to the mission of alleviating suffering and promoting humanity.

“May your acts of kindness inspire us all to embrace the true spirit of humanitarianism and create a world where compassion knows no bounds,” he added.

T Penthungo Lotha, Principal, Bailey Baptist College, Wokha while speaking on the theme “Everything We Do Comes from the Heart,” said in this celebration of the goodness of human beings, everyone should remember the values of compassion and goodwill in society making a small effort to assist someone in need may have a significant impact on the community. 

During the programme, Secretary of IRCS Wokha Unit, Dr KZ Ovung handed over relief materials to nine beneficiaries. The function was chaired by Dr Medongunuo Ngone.

Longleng: The Indian Red Cross Society, Longleng District branch observed the World Red Cross Day at DPDB hall, Longleng with SP Longleng, Dr Pritpal Kaur, IPS, as the special guest.

The special guest in her speech acknowledged the Red Cross Society, Longleng Branch for the wonderful work done since 2004. 

She said the Red Cross Societies in every state have a different scenario and we must know the significance, a DIPR report stated. She said there is no discrimination in the organization and everyone is treated equally and added that it must go with equality. 

Dr Kaur appealed to the students to always be ready to make themselves available to the needy which is the main objective of the organization. She also said the definition of war has changed, unlike before, war won’t come around holding guns, but it will come in the form of laziness, alcohol, drugs etc. which she said must be eradicated from the society. She urged upon the students to keep on doing the good works.   

During the occasion, the special guest also inducted students from five schools as Jr Red Cross Society Longleng.
IRCS Longleng, Secretary, YP Angam Phom delivered the welcome and introductory speech while vote of thanks was delivered by SDO (C) Longleng, Trongdipa Tongpi Sangtam. T Moile Phom, JRC, Yingli College presented a special song. The programme was chaired by EAC Longleng, Dr Samuel Akho P Konyak.

Mokokchung: Mokokchung district celebrated World Red Cross Day at Conference hall Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung. 

Speaking on the significance of the day, Dr Takosunep Ao, Secretary IRCS highlighted the seven fundamental principles of Red Cross namely: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality. 

He added that the Indian Red Cross Society Mokokchung District Branch formed in the year 1988, like its parent body is a neutral and impartial organization; to help those who are suffering because of tragedies both human made as well as through natural calamities.

Exhorting the audience, Dr Kibangkumba, Chief Medical Officer & Vice Chairman IRCS cited the example of Late Dr Sentiyangba whose intervention by waving the flag of the Red Cross in the midst of the incident that occurred at Mokokchung on December 27, 1994 saved many lives. Sentiyanba’s intervention not only exhibits the strength and power of the Red Cross but also his personality as a dynamic person who works for humanity: an exemplary life, which the world needs at this hour. 

He encouraged the JRC to be the first to reach the spot, in times of disaster to help the people. 

The programme was Chaired by Watisenla Jamir, Rev Temsuwati, Asso Pastor MTBA pronounced the invocation and special number was presented by  JRC unit MGHSS.

Dimapur: World Red Cross Day was observed at Livingstone Foundation International (LFI), Dimapur with Sachin Jaiswal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur as the chief guest. The guests of honours were Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema, Chairman, LFI & Patron, IRCS, Dimapur and Chandu Agarwal, Chairperson, IRCS, Dimapur. 

Information Desk, LFI in a press release stated that the DC Dimapur also President of IRCS, Dimapur Branch, Sachin Jaiswal highlighted the importance of celebrating and acknowledging people behind the screen who helps others especially during crisis situations. 

Speaking on the sidelines of voluntary blood donation camps, he rue that the number of volunteers donating blood is quite less in comparison to the requirement of blood in the state. He underscored the immediate need of clearing all air of doubts, misconceptions and phobia surrounding blood donation so that more people would volunteer to donate blood. 

He asked the students and youths to choose a date and time for voluntary blood donation as the blood donation figures of the state are very low compared to other states. He called upon the youths to make it a point to give back to the society like donating blood, visiting old age homes or orphanages whenever there are opportunities. 

The release also stated that on the Manipur violence, the DC Dimapur expressed regret that the lives and career of many students studying in Manipur were at stake due to the violence. He reflected on the importance of sitting back and reflecting on the decisions we take and the consequences of those decisions. 

He termed Dimapur as a cosmopolitan area, a mini-India where people have been coming forward to help each other despite all the odds. He therefore asked people of all communities living in the district to take ownership of societal responsibilities and rise above personal and communal differences. He also opined that days are gone when people used to fight on tribal and religious lines and nothing good was ever achieved through such fights.

The other speakers were Dr Temsu, In-charge, Blood Bank, District Hospital, Dimapur, Ajay Sethi, Vice Chairperson, IRCS, Dimapur, Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema, Chairman, LFI & Patron, IRCS, Dimapur and Kamala Kanta Paul, Hon. Secretary, IRCS, Dimapur. 

Earlier, the programme began with the invocation by Medozhanuo Tepa, Chaplain & Counsellor, LFI College. It concluded with the vote of thanks by Ashok Agarwal, Treasurer, IRCS, Dimapur.