Commemorating the 198th birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross movement, the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch organised a walkathon under the banner “Walk for Humanity” on the occasion of World Red Cross Day on Thursday in Kohima.
Held on the global theme “United for Humanity,” the walkathon was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem from the Red Cross Complex at 7 a.m. The walkathon culminated at the Old NST Bus Station at around 9:30 am.
The event aimed to promote humanitarian values, health awareness, and active community participation among the youth and the general public.
Addressing the gathering after the walkathon, Kohima Town MLA, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso delivered a motivational speech highlighting the importance of humanity in today’s conflict-ridden world.
Recalling the life and humanitarian efforts of Henry Dunant during the Battle of Solferino in 1858, Dr. Rhütso said Dunant, though not a medical professional, mobilised villagers to assist over 40,000 wounded soldiers regardless of which side they belonged to.
“When it comes to humanity, religion does not come into picture. There is no age bar, no race bar. Humanity begins with one step forward from the heart,” he said.
He encouraged participants, especially students and youths, to practice humanity through small everyday gestures, whether by being honest in business dealings or helping classmates in need.
“The problems of the world are created by human beings, and they can only be solved by human beings through humanity,” he stated, adding that the walkathon should not remain a symbolic event but continue “in our hearts, families, and communities.”
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Dr Rhütso further remarked that Kohima was an appropriate place for such an event as people from different tribes, religions, and walks of life came together in unity for a common humanitarian cause.
General Secretary of IRCSN, Akhale Khamo informed that the walkathon witnessed participation from people across all age groups, ranging from senior citizens above 80 years to children as young as two years old.
He stated that students from Junior Red Cross units in schools and Senior Red Cross units in colleges actively took part in the event alongside volunteers, organisations, and various associations.
According to Khamo, around 300 participants had registered online, while the total turnout for the event was estimated at approximately 450 participants.
“The whole idea of the event is to enrol as many volunteers as possible into humanitarian service. Anyone who has a heart for humanitarian service can join,” he said.
He added that the programme was organised to raise awareness among citizens in Nagaland about the presence and role of IRCSN, particularly as one of the first responders during times of crisis and emergencies.
The organisers also expressed hope that more people would come forward to register as volunteers and contribute towards humanitarian services in the state.
