The Red Cross is God’s own organisation, revered by all,” said State Chief Secretary Jugal Kishore Mohapatra while addressing a gathering at a State-level function hosted by the Indian Red Cross Society, Odisha State Branch (IRCS-OSB) here on Thursday on the occasion of the World Red Cross Day.
Mohapatra appreciated the humanitarian initiatives taken by the IRCS-OSB and urged its volunteers and officials to carry forward the good work. He lauded the Red Cross for opening Jan Aushadhi (generic medicine) counters in the State which has been replicated by other States.He said the Red Cross’ community-based disaster preparedness and multipurpose cyclone shelters, which have been adopted by the Government later, saved precious lives of people during the 1999 Super Cyclone and the recent Phailin and floods. He urged the Red Cross office-bearers and members to undertake more such humanitarian activities and thanked the organisation on behalf of the State Government.
Awards and certificates were presented to several students and youths for their excellent jobs in the social service sector.
Among others, School and Mass Education Department Secretary Usha Padhee, Prof Asha Hans, Cooperation Assistant of International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) John George, Red Cross members, IRCS-OSB honorary secretary Dr Mangala Prasad Mohanty and counsellors and volunteers and invitees in large numbers attended the celebration.