A State-level conference of the chairpersons and convenor secretaries of the District Committees of Youth Red Cross (YRC) in the State was organised here. Higher Education Minister Badrinarayan Patra, who is State Working Committee chairman, graced the inaugural session as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Patra said that the YRC has carved a niche in the field of volunteerism, involving youths and students. He inspired the principals of the State’s colleges to link classroom education with the community work and said that YRC activities would be considered for performance appraisal (PAR) of principals.
He stressed on the important role that can be played by the YRC counsellors and volunteers to reach out to the most vulnerable people and serve them. Further, he asserted that principals and counsellors of nodal colleges can earn a name for themselves and for their institutions by engaging the YRC volunteers in rendering various humanitarian services. Patra emphasized that the YRC should create a benchmark in voluntary blood donation, training in first-aid and road safety.
Director of Higher Education Prof (Dr) Gangadhar Mishra, who graced the occasion as guest of honour, stressed that education is meaningless if one does not involve in volunteering activities. He encouraged the principals to increase their responsibilities towards society and introduce various innovative programmes at college level to channelize the energy of YRC volunteers for betterment of the society. Indian Red Cross Society-Odisha State Branch(IRCS-OSB) honourary secretary welcomed everybody to the meeting. Mohanty encouraged the principals to organise various training programmes to build the capacity of YRC volunteers so that at the time of need they can provide effective service.
The programme was attended by Council of Higher Secondary Education chairman Prof (Dr) B Chhatoi and SlO-cum-deputy secretary Higher Education UN Sahoo. Around 50 principals and convenor-secretaries of the YRC from different districts participated and finalized an annual action plan. Dr Sarita Supkar of YRC coordinated the entire programme and proposed a formal vote of thanks.