Governor of Nagaland and President of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Nagaland State Branch, Nand Kishore Yadav, has called for strengthening the humanitarian network across the State to ensure timely assistance to people in need, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters.
Addressing the “Dinner With a Purpose” programme organised by the IRCS Nagaland State Branch at Golden Jubilee Hall, Cathedral, Kohima, on Saturday, the Governor highlighted Nagaland’s difficult terrain, scattered habitations and vulnerability to landslides, floods, fires and other emergencies.
He stated that an effective humanitarian response depended not only on resources but also on preparedness, local presence and the ability to act swiftly.
Yadav stressed that strengthening District Red Cross Branches should be a priority, with active networks of trained volunteers, identification of local vulnerabilities, availability of basic emergency resources and close coordination with district administrations and other agencies. He emphasised that people in remote villages should have the same opportunity to receive timely humanitarian assistance as those in urban centres.
Describing volunteers as the backbone of the Red Cross movement, the Governor underscored the need for continuous training in first aid, disaster preparedness, emergency response, blood donation mobilisation and community awareness.
He also called for strengthening the Humanitarian Corpus Fund to ensure sustainable financial support for humanitarian activities, appealing to patrons, vice patrons, institutions, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-wishers to contribute generously.
He further stressed the need to strengthen the Emergency Relief Fund so that immediate assistance, including essential relief materials, first aid and medical support, could reach affected families without delay during emergencies.
Emphasising the importance of voluntary blood donation and medical camps, Yadav said blood could not be manufactured and could only be obtained through donation. He encouraged the Red Cross to collaborate with hospitals, educational institutions, youth organisations and civil society to promote a strong culture of voluntary blood donation across Nagaland.
The Governor also highlighted the need for stronger partnerships with district administrations, the Health and Family Welfare Department, disaster management authorities, hospitals, churches, educational institutions, civil society and youth organisations to establish the Red Cross as a permanent humanitarian presence in communities.
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Encouraging greater participation of young people in the movement, he said nurturing a new generation of trained and committed volunteers would help build a strong humanitarian network capable of serving the State for generations.
He expressed hope that the Red Cross would continue to remain a symbol of service, solidarity and hope for the people of Nagaland, building a humanitarian movement that was prepared before disasters, responsive during crises and compassionate at all times.
Chief Minister of Nagaland and Vice President of the IRCS Nagaland State Branch, Dr Neiphiu Rio, in his address, described the initiative as a welcome step and called upon people to extend greater support to the Society. He said the programme provided an opportunity for people to contribute towards strengthening the organisation and enabling it to continue its humanitarian services.
Rio appreciated Health and Family Welfare Minister and Chairman of the IRCS Nagaland State Branch, P. Paiwang Konyak, for encouraging people to come forward and support the initiative.
Expressing gratitude for the Society’s journey since its establishment in 1982, the Chief Minister acknowledged its contributions to the people of Nagaland. He lauded the IRCS Nagaland State Branch for its yeoman service and consistent presence at the forefront of relief and humanitarian efforts during natural calamities and disasters in the State.
Reflecting on his association with the Society, Rio said the IRCS had been working tirelessly for the welfare of the people. He expressed hope that those present would contribute generously towards the cause so that the Society could sustain and further strengthen its humanitarian services across Nagaland.
