Nagaland governor, P.B. Acharya, and chief minister, T.R. Zeliang, addressed the 30th annual general meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland (IRCSN) state branch at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhawan here on Thursday.
Speaking at the meeting, Acharya reiterated his idea to tap the potential that lay dormant within individuals and utilize it for the development of the society. The governor, who is also the president of IRCS Nagaland branch, acknowledged the contribution and service rendered by the IRCS Nagaland state branch and urged the members to put more effort and reach out to the people in times of need.
Acharya also called upon the public and NGOs to extend their help to enable the schemes and benefits from the government reach the rightful beneficiaries as the government agents alone cannot fulfil the mission.
He advised the IRCS Nagaland state branch to give elaborate report at the general meeting with the activities carried out in the current year and past years.
Acharya expressed his happiness at the performance of the IRCS Peren and Dimapur districts and further urged other districts also to emulate the same.
Governor said he has asked the chief minister to increase the fund to enable the Red Cross society members to help more needy people in the state. Also speaking at the meeting, the state chief minister, T.R. Zeliang, who is also and vice president IRCS Nagaland state branch, said global warming and climate change was the biggest challenge threatening life. He urged the IRCS Nagaland state branch members to join the “green campaign” and actively support the initiatives and interventions by the government and non-governmental agencies that would bring about mitigations and adaptations to climate change.
Quoting the adage “prevention is better than cure”, the chief minister said the initiative such as “green campaign” or “green movement would endeavour to serve humanity.
Zeliang also reminded the IRCS members the seven fundamental principles of Red Cross — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service and universality.
On the occasion, the chief minister congratulated the office bearers and other active members of IRCS Nagaland branch for their tireless effort in providing invaluable services and assistance to the people in need.
He further urged the deputy commissioners (DCs) the districts, who are also chairman of the district branches, to take more proactive role in the members enrolment drive and expand the vision and reach of IRCSN in their respective district.
He also appreciated the enrolment of 150 new numbers during the year 2015-16. Zeliang advised the members that they could do much better considering the number of prospective members in a state like Nagaland.
The programme was chaired by IRCS Nagaland branch chairperson, Abeni TCK, invocation prayer was said by state chaplain, Rev. Kuzeirang Tho-u, special songs were presented by Eldah voice Chakhesang Baptist church new ministers’ hill Kohima and music ministry Chang Baptist church Kohima, welcome address was delivered by IRCSN managing committee member C.R. Lotha, report on the business session was given by IRCSN general secretary Dr. Kepelhusie Terhüja, the programme was compèred by Khyochano TCK Ngully, while vote of thanks was proposed by IRCSN managing committee member Helena Yepthomi. Altogether, 13 patrons and four vice patrons were decorated by the president and vice president during ceremonial function including seven persons from Peren district, eight from Dimapur, one from Kohima and one from Zunheboto.