The Indian Red Cross Society Odisha State Branch (IRCS-OSB) held a workshop on the ‘Red Cross History and Fundamental Principles’ at the Red Cross Bhavan on Friday.
The OSB, with the support of IRCS and the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) organises training programme every year to sensitise the new Red Cross volunteers about the Red Cross movement, its fundamental principles and activities and inculcate the spirits of volunteerism among them.
IRCS-OSB secretary Dr Mangala Prasad Mohanty said that the Red Cross Society, established in 1920 by an Act of Parliament, came into existence in Odisha in 1936 though it had already started its operation officially in 1922 in every State, including Odisha.
He pointed out that the Red Cross is neither fully a Government organisation nor a complete NGO; it is the most premier and largest international humanitarian organisation having its headquarters in Geneva. The Red Cross has its presence in 188 countries maintaining auxiliary status with the respective Governments.
Dr Mohanty continued, “We undertake four core activities like community-based healthcare, disaster preparedness and response and, more importantly, promotion of fundamental principles. We now have 75 cyclone centers in the State”.
Dr Mohanty also informed about various initiatives of the OSB including launching of Jan Aushadhi, supporting the State Government for introduction of e-governance of blood banking in the State, launching of official website, establishment of Maintenance Corpus Fund for the maintenance of cyclone shelter, etc.
Youth Red Cross Officer of IRCS-OSB Dr S Supkar said the Red Cross Society believes in seven principles including humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
According to a UN global estimate, 40 per cent of the world population is vulnerable. Several people are dying of poverty and various hazardous diseases.
The Red Cross works for the most vulnerable section of the society. So, the onus of tackling these issues rests on every human being with a selfless service motive, said Dr Mohanty, adding that any body can be a Red Cross volunteer as the IRCS depends mainly on its volunteers to accomplish its mission. The OSB of IRCS would organise such workshops in every district this year, he informed.