Indian Red Cross observed World Red Cross Day on May 8th by organising activities around the theme, "Together for Humanity". The day is celebrated to pay respect to the founder of Red Cross, Nobel laureate Sir Henry Dunant. The States of Bihar, Maharashtra, Haryana, Orissa, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Chattisgarh held marches, cycle rallies, felicitation functions to Red Cross volunteers and blood donors. Many dignitaries such as Governors, Chief Ministers and others of the respective states participated in the functions.

In Delhi activities such as a seminar at the National Headquarters, rally of junior Red Cross members and a volunteer promotion program at the Delhi branch were held (inaugurated by the lady Governor).

The seminar at the IRCS, National Headquarters was inaugurated by Ms. Anitta Underlin, Head of Regional Delegation, International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies for the South Asia region. In her address she said that "By working in partnerships at all levels - global, regional and local - the Red Cross is striving to achieve its Global Agenda, which complements the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of reducing the impact of disasters, diseases and public health emergencies". She informed that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the WHO (SEARO) and International Federation of Red Cross (SARD) which has opened a new chapter of collaboration between two world bodies to provide better health care to the most vulnerable.

Dr. S.P. Agarwal, Secretary General, IRCS in his address said that "Indian Red Cross Society is striving for better coordination among the humanitarian agencies, aid agencies, corporate bodies, media and all others for better delivery of services to the needy. A cadre of experts in disaster preparedness & rehabilitation is being created through the GGSIP University approved PG Diploma course". He added that the society has been collaborating with Oxfam in the area of disaster management, with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the Community Based First-Aid and UNICEF for water & sanitation and with WHO/SEARO for public health emergencies and HIV/AIDS.

Heads of Delegations of the American, British, Canadian, German and Spanish Red Cross Societies, the ICRC and officials of the Indian Red Cross also participated in the seminar and made valuable contributions.