Arunachal Pradesh governor BD Mishra on Wednesday said for disaster mitigation, organizations like Red Cross Society must be strengthened.
Governor Mishra said this while speaking at the centenary celebration of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) for the Arunachal Pradesh State Branch (IRCAPSB) at the Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre in Itanagar.
Addressing the function, the governor Mishra said, “No calamity comes with a warning, therefore, for disaster mitigation; organizations like Red Cross must be strengthened and kept activated.”
“The state government has the responsibility for all emergency management but the participation of non-government organizations becomes a force multiplier in an emergency situation,” he said.
Sharing his experience as commander of an Infantry Brigade during the most intense stage of Operation PAWAN against the LTTE in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1988, the governor said Red Cross immensely contributed to taking care of large migrated people from war-torn areas in Jaffna Peninsula.
He further urged the Red Cross Society members to work with a sense of service and dedication.
“Their activities must be benevolent and spirit-driven,” he said.
The governor, who is the president of the Indian Red Cross State Branch, said members of the Red Cross Society must be the first responders.
He also asked the Arunachal Pradesh Branch of Red Cross Society to create awareness, train people on first aid and increase the membership of volunteers in the organization.
Mishra also urged upon the people, particularly the school children, to commit themselves to be more prepared to mitigate any disaster taking place in their area.
Earlier, in his keynote address, IRCS Arunachal Pradesh secretary and member of National Managing Body Dr Emi Rumi briefed the gathering on the state branch of the Indian Red Cross Society.
He also highlighted the events to be conducted in the state as part of the centenary celebration.
Among others, health and family welfare secretary P Parthiban, Ramakrishna Mission Hospital Itanagar secretary Swami Vishweshananda, NDRF commandant Dr KL Rongmei and SBI regional manager AK Dutta were present at the function.
Members of the IRCS and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), volunteers of the National Service Scheme (NSS) and students from different schools also attended the event.