Kohima, May 8 (DIPR): The Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch launched a ‘ree Plantation Drive’ with a theme “Youth on the Move” while observing the World Red Cross Day on May 8 with the rest of the world. The formal launching programme began at 7:30 a.m. at the NSF Solidarity Park, New Secretariat, Kohima.
Addressing the programme as chief guest, the Divisional Forest Officer, Sidramappa MC, IFS called upon the participants in particular and the people of the State in general to protect the environment, conserve and preserve the flora and fauna. He appealed to every citizen to understand the serious issue of the hazardous global warming which is a threatening phenomenon confronting us. Lamenting that every individual is responsible for ruining of our forest and environment he said that human activities are hurting and damaging the significance of forest and felt the need that restoration of the sane ought to be every individual’s responsibility. It is high time we understand this and take protective measures so as to conserve our immediate forest and environment, he further stated.
He expressed his serious concern over the issue and stated that the forest department is always ready to help, regarding protection and preservation of the environment. DFO expressed his happiness to the IRCSN as organisers for taking up the tree plantation drive.
Sidramappa observed that the Naga society brings in youth ness to a higher side, activating leadership quality in them and opined that the Nagas are at par with the rest of the world. He called the Naga society, ‘A dart of leadership society and nation’. He also said, ‘there is a solver living in Naga society government or non-government’ citing the example of the recently concluded NBCC Platinum Jubilee and its resolutions.
Sidramappa recalled Sir Henry Dunant for his loyal humanitarian services to the human society and appreciated him for his great service to humanity single handedly in the First World War.
Earlier, the managing committee member Dr. S. Imkong Tushi Ao delivering the keynote address said that the World Red Cross Day is the birthday of the founder of the Red Cross Movement Sir Henry Dunant. He was a great philanthropist humanitarian gentleman of Switzerland. On witnessing the hazardous scene at Solferino, the battleground where 40,000 soldiers were strewn wounded and sick from both warring side, Dunant was so moved with the sight that he organised relief and aid and following it with a bash “A memory of Solferino” and helped organised the Red Cross Movement, he further said.
He further said that each year while celebrating the World Red Cross Day an appropriate theme is chosen to focus the activities of the Red Cross Movement, hence the theme this year is “Youth on the Move”.
Dr. Tushi Ao also said that today youth are full of energy, enthusiasm, ideas, vitality and force to bring about changes. In realisation of the youth participation and activities, the Red Cross and Red Crescent have considered the youth as integral part of the movement since 1922 and the fore runners of its values and humanitarian principles because of their voluntary and eagerness to be part of the activities he further said.
Referring to the theme “Youth on the Move” your role, participation and activities in the Red Cross principles and objectives will bring about great changes, stated Dr. Tushi.
The programme was chaired by the Honorary Treasurer, IRCSN, R.F. Lotha. The proceedings began with the invocation prayer by a managing committee member Dr. Vevo Phesao and welcome address was delivered by the General Secretary IRCSN, Zakie Kire who also read the pledge.
Right after the formal function, tree plantation followed beginning from the meeting venue. In the Naga Solidarity Park, Divisional Forest Officer Sidramappa MC, IFS planted the first tree. The participants from various schools and colleges was divided in groups headed by two (2) members from IRCSN as their leaders and proceeded towards various offices such as Medical Department, Home Guards, Assembly Secretariat, Urban Development, NPSC, NBCC Convention Centre area, Industries & Commerce and planted the trees in the nearby areas and office compounds.
Certificates will be given to all the participants. The IRCSN expressed its appreciation to all concern particularly the Forest Department, Sericulture and Horticulture for their contribution in the plantation drive and for making it a success.
