The IRCS National Headquarters complex wore a festive look today i.e. 9th May 2016. Several activities were planned to celebrate the birth anniversary of the founder of the Red Cross movement, Jean Henry Dunant. The first step towards celebration was unveiling of the bust of Henry Dunant in the front lawns of the Red Cross premises. The Vice Chairman of the Society, Sri Avinash Rai Khanna, was joined by officials and members of the Red Cross Red Crescent movement and many others for the occasion. With this the front lawns look even more attractive. The bust has been donated by the ICRC Regional Delegation.

 

Indian Red Cross Society, National headquarters felicitated winners of the online essay, painting and photography competitions held on the occasion. In the function held at the multipurpose hall at the IRCS National Headquarters, Dr (Mrs) Mallika Nadda, founder president of a leading nongovernmental organization, “Chetna” working in Himachal Pradesh was joined by the Vice Chairman of the Society, Mr Avinash Rai Khanna, who gave away the prizes. From the same platform Dr (Mrs) Nadda also released the updated Evidence Based First Aid Manual of the IRCS & St John Ambulance (India). This project has been supported by the Belgian Red Cross Flanders.

 

The Vice Chairman of the Society, Sri Avinash Rai Khanna, who was the chief guest for the occasion in his address said, “People who live and die for the society are remembered for a long- long time.He also recalled the humanitarian services offered by Bhai Ghanaiya, a legend and a synonym of selfless service in Punjab, who is remembered for his non-discrimininatory humanitarian work during a Sikh- Mughal war on the soil of Punjab. Speaking in the function, Dr Veer Bhushan, Acting Secretary General of IRCS, informed, “It is the first time when online nationwide competitions have taken place”. He added that despite short notice there was very good response to the event.

Mr Rajeev Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in his special address emphasized on the importance of youth which constitute 29 % of India’s population. “We value the partnership with IRCS as it has huge youth membership. It is one of the priority areas of the Government to take this segment of our population along in national programmes”, Mr Gupta added.

Ms Mary Werntz, Head of the Regional Delegation, ICRC and Mr Leon Prop, Head, IFRC Cluster Societies also spoke on the occasion.

During the function video conferencing was also arranged in which some state branches interacted with the IRCS Nhq on Red Cross Day celebrations and their other activities. IRCS Mandi district branch and IIT Mandi were also on line during the time.

Red Cross Day Celebrations on 8th May
On 8th May movement partners were joined by several representatives of diplomatic enclave, Indian bureaucracy and others in an evening celebration to observe the birthday of Henry Dunant. Here, the Acting Secretary General of IRCS, Dr Veer Bhushan, Head of the Regional Delegation of ICRC, Ms Mary Werntz, and Head IFRC Country Cluster, Mr Leon Prop, made addresses on the occasion. Dr Bhushan read out the message of Sri J P Nadda, Hon’ble Chairman and Minister for Health & Family Welfare as well.