Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 08:
As done in other parts of the globe, World Red Cross Day was observed under the auspices of Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur State Branch at Raj Bhavan and Th Iboyaima Shumang Lila Shanglen here at Imphal today with Governor Arvind Dave in the chair.
Before holding the main function at the Shanglen near BOAT, members of IRCS and Junior Red Cross Society pinned Red Cross badges to the Governor and other high ranking officials at the Raj Bhavan.
In his inaugural address, the Governor appreciated the service rendered by the members of IRCS, Manipur State Branch and said that they have devoted themselves to the cause of human welfare with a sense of dedication.
Giving a short account on International Red Cross movement, Governor said that during the Franco-Austrian war and in the infamous battle of Solferino in 1859 to be precise, a young Swiss businessman named Jean Henry Dunant was appalled by the conditions of the wounded soldiers and, he immediately arranged relief services with the help of the local populace.
Thereafter, he wrote a book - Memory of Solferino - suggesting that a neutral organization be established for providing aid to the wounded soldiers during wars.
After the release of the book, an international conference was convened at Geneva to consider the suggestion of the author and subsequently IRCS was established by the Geneva convention in 1864, he stated.
Governor Dave said that the world today is facing a plethora of problems due to armed conflicts, risk and impact of diseases, increased vulnerability to diseases arising out of stigma and discrimination.
Under such circumstances, the contributions made by the Red Cross Society are of immense value, he observed.
In his welcome address, Prof MLala Singh, the honorary secretary of IRCS, Manipur Branch highlighted on various humanitarian services rendered by the society like holding of flood relief camps, free medical camps, blood donation camps besides efforts to facilitate contact and meeting between the detainees now serving in Myanmar prisons and their family members.
Through IRCS around 15 prisoners have made correspondence with their respective family members by way of writing letters, Lala said, informing that the society had also donated around Rs 1 lakh to the earthquake victims of Gujarat.
As apart of the observance function, IRCS Manipur Branch in collaboration with the blood bank units of both RIMS and JN Hospitals also organized a blood donation camp today.