THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: About 50 junior Red Cross cadets who were invited for a felicitation function announced by the state unit of Red Cross Society were in for an unpleasant surprise. The organisers cancelled the event without any notice.
Cadets who won A Plus for all subjects in the SSLC examination were invited by the RCS for the function scheduled at the YMCA Hall in the city. The students were informed that they will be given cash award and memento.
The invitation was through the schools where the cadets study. A teacher who preferred anonymity said the Red Cross officials passed on the information via telephone and WhatsApp group. “On Monday morning also they sent a reminder,” she said.
The programme was scheduled to begin at 9.30 and the cadets had come well in advance. Several students came to the function along with their parents and relatives.
When the programme did not start on time they contacted the Red Cross officials and came to know about the cancellation. While some students were on the verge of crying, parents were visibly angry.
Gouri Lakshmi, a student of Govt HSS Kulathummel, Kattakada, said this was her first-ever invitation for a felicitation function. “I came with much hope to receive a prize on stage. But everything went in vain,” she said.
She claimed JRC cadets had been victims to the poor coordination by the organisation on previous occasions too. “Unlike NCC or Scouts and Guides Red Cross Society does not have a proper coordination,” she said.
Gouri Lakshmi’s parents said they plan to approach the State Human Rights Commission against the humiliation. Vishnupriya of Holy Angels Convent HSS had come for the function with her mother Ambily S, an LIC agent. “I took leave to see my daughter receiving the honour. Unfortunately we have to go back disappointed,” she said.
Buddhist Krishnan, grandfather of a student said the Red Cross Society is caught in the midst of an ugly war between political parties for its control. “This last minute cancellation too is a result of this struggle,” he said.