The state-level inauguration of the observance of the World Red Cross Day was done by Governor Sheila Dikshit at Kanakakkunnu Palace here on Thursday. Inaugurating the programme, Dikshit said that the service activities conducted by the society are commendable. “Though they work quietly, their presence is felt everywhere. Wherever there is a case of emergency, the Red Cross van is the first to arrive always,” the Governor said.
In the function attended by Minister for Health V S Sivakumar and chairman of the Kerala State branch of the Indian Red Cross Society Sunil C Kurian, the Governor honoured the society’s lifetime patron members Boby Chemmanur and P P Mathew for their contributions towards serving the society.
“I not only want to congratulate them for the felicitation they received today, but also for the human work they have done for the people,” Dikshit said. Sivakumar also was all praise for the Red Cross Society and extended the government’s support for the Red Cross. “We will have to look into the weaknesses of the Society and take necessary steps to empower it,” he said.
Meanwhile, in their acceptance speeches, Chemmanur urged the gathering to donate blood at least once in a year, while Mathew described it as the best moment in his life.
Chemmanur said that donating blood keeps you fresh and healthy. He also added that after the success of his campaign for blood donation, he is planning to run in different countries to campaign for the eradication of poverty and war.
The World Red Cross Day is celebrated annually for spreading awareness on the principles of the International Red Cross Movement. It is celebrated on May 8 every year on the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.