Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav addressing the “Dinner With a Purpose” programme organised by the branch at the Golden Jubilee Hall, Cathedral, in Kohima on October 31.
Kohima, October 31 (MExN): Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Saturday called for strengthening the humanitarian network across the state to ensure timely assistance to people in need, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters.
Yadav, who is also the president of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Nagaland State Branch, was addressing the “Dinner With a Purpose” programme organised by the branch at the Golden Jubilee Hall, Cathedral, in Kohima, according to a press release issued by the PRO, Lok Bhavan Nagaland.
He appealed to patrons, vice patrons, institutions, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-wishers to contribute generously to the Humanitarian Corpus Fund, saying it was necessary to ensure sustainable financial support for the society’s activities.
Pointing to the state’s difficult terrain, scattered habitations and vulnerability to landslides, floods and fires, the Governor said an effective humanitarian response depended not only on resources but also on preparedness, local presence and the ability to act quickly.
“People in remote villages should have the same opportunity to receive timely humanitarian assistance as those in urban centres,” Yadav said.
He said strengthening the District Red Cross Branches must be an important priority, with an active network of trained volunteers, identification of local vulnerabilities, availability of basic emergency resources and close coordination with district administrations and other agencies.
Describing volunteers as the “backbone” of the Red Cross movement, the Governor underlined the need for continuous training in first aid, disaster preparedness, emergency response, blood donation mobilisation and community awareness.
He also 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 cannot be manufactured and can 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 the state.
The Governor also called 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.
Encouraging greater participation of young people in the movement, he said nurturing a new generation of trained and committed volunteers would help build a humanitarian movement “capable of serving the state for generations to come.”
Yadav expressed hope that the Red Cross would remain a symbol of “service, solidarity and hope” for every citizen of Nagaland, working towards a movement that is “prepared before disaster, responsive during crisis and compassionate at all times.”
Chief Minister and IRCS Nagaland State Branch Vice President Dr Neiphiu Rio, reflecting on his association with the society, said the IRCS had been working tirelessly for the welfare of the people. He said the occasion provided an opportunity for people to contribute generously towards strengthening the society so that it could sustain and further strengthen its humanitarian services across Nagaland.
