People should be taught how to ensure their safety during calamities and coordination should be done with Government and non-Government organisations to run awareness camps, health camps , voluntary blood donation and first aid training camps in the society.
The Governor of Uttarakhand KK Paul made this observation while addressing a function organised to honour the volunteers of Uttarakhand branch of Indian Red Cross Society who played an important role in the rescue and relief operations during the June 2013 natural calamity.
Appreciating the work of the Indian Red Cross society volunteers, the Governor encouraged them and said that they had set an example before society by providing selfless service to suffering humanity and are genuinely following the principles of a great organisation like Red Cross.
Paying glowing tributes to Henry Dunant, the founder of Red Cross and Florence Nightingale the Governor said that one should take inspiration from their lives.
He said that making arrangements for mitigating the effects of possible disasters was even more important as the rescue and relief efforts. For this, peoples’ awareness and participation was needed.
Twenty six responders , 63 trainers and 46 Red Cross volunteers were honoured by the Governor with certificates and badge of honour on the occasion.
The Governor said that mock drills or tests should be conducted from time to time to check the arrangements to deal with possible calamities.
Health minister SS Negi thanked the Governor for honouring the volunteers and congratulated the volunteers for their efforts during the disaster. Chief secretary of Uttarakhand N Ravishanker also appreciated the volunteers and said service of humanity was equal to service of God.
Present at the function were members of Red Cross Society of Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Haridwar and Champawat districts. Chairman of managing committee of RedCross Society Uttarakhand Ranjit Verma, and District Magistrates of Dehradun and Uttarkashi were also present on the occasion.