The Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch (IRCSN) in collaboration with Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority Nagaland (NSDMA) organised a training for Community First Responder (CFR) at DC conference hall today.
During the event, Special Guest Akhale V Khamo , General secretary, IRCSN highlighted a brief history on how the Red Cross society was started after Swiss businessman Henry Dunant saw the suffering of wounded soldiers in 1859. He suggested neutral groups provide help during wars, leading to the Red Cross’s founding in 1863 and rules to protect wounded soldiers. Additionally, Red cross was established in India by 1923, and 1982 in Nagaland.
Khamo mentioned that Red Cross Society is a non-profitable organisation with a concern for the common good of humanity, with no partiality or discrimination or political involvement. “At Red Cross, we believe in the motto ‘Everything that we do comes from our heart for humanity’,” said Khamo.
She also briefed that Red cross extend aid in all possible ways during natural disaster incident, besides blood donation services which benefits people who need the right blood during their medical treatment.
Khamo provided insights on the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross which are :
- Humanity
The Red Cross aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and promote respect for all individuals. It fosters mutual understanding, friendship, and lasting peace among people.
- Impartiality
Assistance is provided based solely on need, without discrimination due to nationality, race, religion, class, or political beliefs. Priority is given to the most urgent cases.
- Neutrality
To maintain trust, the Red Cross remains neutral in conflicts and avoids taking sides in political, racial, religious, or ideological debates.
- Independence
The Red Cross operates autonomously, while collaborating with governments, to ensure adherence to its humanitarian principles.
- Voluntary Service
The movement is based on voluntary service, driven by compassion and a desire to help, without any profit motive.
- Unity
There is only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society per country, which must be open to all and carry out humanitarian work across its territory.
- Universality
All Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have equal status and share responsibilities in supporting each other globally, united under the same principles.
These principles guide the Red Cross’s humanitarian work worldwide.
Khamo requested the district administration to kindly allot an office for the District Red cross, so as to act as a support system for the workers and to preserve and store medical aid or assistant for the needful citizens.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
A live demonstration on CPR was also initiated for the participants, besides awareness on various topics such as drug abuse, Disaster management.
Dr. R. Wapang, CMO Kiphire shared about the lack of even basic proper medical facilities in remote part of the district specially under Pungro sub-division. He, therefore, requested the Red Cross Society to intervene in the much needed issues of medical attention to the right authority for quick intervention.
ADC Longdiba encouraged participants to be well equipped with the right knowledge for medical assistant to counter any unfortunate needed situation, through such kind of educational program organised by Red cross Society. He stressed how we as society is lacking in contributing to our common welfare such as less number of blood donors in the district. Urging all volunteers and part taker to be a building block for our society.
The program was attended by representatives from school, Churches, GBs and goodwill citizens.
Tsarose S Sangtam, Sub-inspector, District fire management leader highlighted on the prevention and treatment on various natural and man – made disaster relating to fire disaster. The program was chaired by Lumtsingse L Sangtam and welcome address delivered by Mughaholi Anthony, MC Member, IRCSN. The vote of thanks was presented by Tsointhe Sangtam, Honorary Secretary, IRCSN, Kiphire.
