Imphal: The Governor of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey graced the closing function of the month-long World Red Cross Day, 2024 held on Wednesday at the office of the Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur State Branch at M.G. Avenue, Imphal.
It is organized by IRCS Manipur State Branch under the theme, “I give with joy, and the joy I give is a reward.”
During the ceremony, prizes for various competitions comprising cash, mementoes, and certificates were handed over to the winners by the Governor.
Notably, as part of the occasion, the Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur Branch organized series of events during April 2024 namely First Aid Training, Written Quiz and Recitation Competitions, program on Voluntary Blood Donation, Blood donation at Blood Centre, JNIMS and RIMS, Painting Competition, Folk Song Competition of School and College students and meeting with the leaders of CSOs, Student Organizations, Meira Paibis and various local leaders.
The governor launched the website of IRCS, Manipur State Branch (www.redcrossmanipur.org), and a souvenir was also released to mark the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor, also the President of the State, IRCS, highlighted the selfless humanitarian services rendered by the World Red Cross Society and said that such a day allows for recognizing the remarkable work of its volunteers and staff.
Volunteers of the Red Cross society concern themselves with the welfare of the needy, the elderly, the hospitalized, and the physically challenged, she asserted.
She mentioned that through its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, the Red Cross Society reaches out to over 200 million people each year.
The Governor said that the Red Cross is effective in its humanitarian response and grassroots communication as it is an organization that is strongly anchored in local communities.
On the occasion of World Red Cross Day, the Governor paid homage and expressed gratitude to Sir Jean Henry Dunant, the Founder of the Red Cross as the world marks today i.e. May 8, his birthday, and the joint recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize, for giving the world such a noble organization.
She also expressed gratitude for all the things that Red Cross volunteers have done to help alleviate human suffering and bring joy everywhere for everyone and shown commitment to the ideals of the Movement.
Regarding the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur, Governor Miss Anusuiya lauded the selfless activities rendered by the Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur Branch in all the affected Districts by reaching out to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in relief camps and distributing essential relief materials and also informed that many relief materials were provided from National branch after intervention by the Governor to the President of India and Union Health Minister during its meeting in New Delhi last year.
Governor Anusuiya also announced financial assistance for IRCS, Manipur State Branch on this occasion.
She also mentioned the financial assistance extended by her office for IRCS, Senapati branch for the purchase of a well-equipped ambulance.