Indian Red Cross Society, J&K celebrates ‘World Red Cross Day’

SRINAGAR, May 08: The Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir chapter and its allied Regional and District units today celebrated the ‘World Red Cross Day-2023’ 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 ‘Everything we do comes #fromtheheart’.

The main function was held at Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh Srinagar. Qazi Sarwar, Additional Commissioner, Kashmir was Chief Guest of the event and Shams Ud Din Bhat, Joint Director, School Education Department was the Guest of Honour.

Members of the Managing committee of IRCS, former Secretaries of IRCS and different Heads of Departments, representatives of various NGOs, Life members, staff, and volunteers of the Red Cross attended the function.

In his address, the Chief Guest, Qazi Sarwar highlighted the role of the Red Cross Movement during disasters. He said, “today’s world is in a state of constant upheaval and permanent crisis, but whatever the problem – a natural hazard like fires, earthquakes, floods etc, the climate crisis, conflict or migration – Red Cross staff and volunteers are visible ambassadors for peace and solidarity and active players in shaping the future of our communities and countries.

He said in these trying times, their commitment and dedication, as first responders and local actors, to alleviating human suffering remains strong and powerful.

Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Former General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir in his address said, World Red Cross Day is the day to recognize the work of our volunteers and staff who are on the frontline responding to the growing needs of communities affected by the disasters.

He said they show kindness and solidarity around the globe and provide hope and dignity in the midst of despair. The incredible spirit of our volunteers during this crisis is not only a cause for admiration but also a source of inspiration for others to get involved too, he added.

Mohammad Shafi Rather, Managing Committee Member and Former Honorary General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir lauded the efforts of the Red Cross during disasters. In his address, he said that Red Cross volunteers are always at the forefront during disasters and there was a need to strengthen the movement in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rather also lauded the efforts of various NGOs, Religious organisations who actively reach out to the people with immediate help during disasters, emergencies and exigencies.

Earlier, welcoming the Chief Guest and other participants, G.A. Qureshi, Honorary Treasurer, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir said that ‘World Red Cross Day’ is a time to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism and recognize the individuals who make a difference in their communities.

He said this year’s theme focuses on foregrounding the volunteers of the Red Cross and their contribution to society. The description of the theme is to highlight the universal, human, and diverse aspects of the Red Cross Movement by focusing on volunteers and their involvement within communities.

On this occasion, a Painting Competition was also organized which was attended by participants from various schools of the city.

Zaynab-un-Nabi Student participant of Presentation Convent Hr. Sec. School Rajbagh bagged the first position.

Kunwarani Ritu Singh, prominent social activist of J&K conveyed her telephonic wishes to all participants celebrating World Red Cross Day. She presented her greetings to all volunteers for the noble work and hoped for a continued and collaborated effort in future also.

At the end Nasir Mahmood Khan, Honorary Secretary, IRCS, Kashmir Region thanked all the participants. He specifically expressed his gratitude to volunteers of IRCS and other social activists associated with various NGOs for their spirit of kindness and helpfulness at every crisis, disaster and pandemic.