DIMAPUR, OCT 31 (NPN): Nagaland Governor and president of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Nagaland State Branch, Nand Kishore Yadav, has stressed the need to strengthen the humanitarian network across the State to ensure timely assistance to people in need, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters.
Addressing the “Dinner With a Purpose” programme organised by IRCS Nagaland State Branch at Golden Jubilee Hall, Cathedral, Kohima, on Saturday, the Governor highlighted Nagaland’s difficult terrain, scattered habitations and vulnerability to landslides, floods, fires and other emergencies.
He said effective humanitarian response depended on preparedness, local presence and the ability to act quickly.
He identified strengthening district Red Cross branches as a priority, calling for trained volunteers, identification of local vulnerabilities, availability of basic emergency resources and close coordination with district administrations and other agencies.
He stressed that people in remote villages should have the same access to timely humanitarian assistance as those in urban centres.
Describing volunteers as the backbone of the Red Cross movement, Yadav underscored the need for continuous training in first aid, disaster preparedness, emergency response, blood donation mobilisation and community awareness.
He also called for strengthening the Humanitarian Corpus Fund and appealed to patrons, vice patrons, institutions, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-wishers to contribute generously.
He said the Emergency Relief Fund should also be strengthened to ensure immediate assistance, including essential relief materials, first aid and medical support, reaches affected families without delay.
Emphasising voluntary blood donation, the Governor said blood could not be manufactured and was available only 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 Nagaland.
He further 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.
Yadav also stressed greater participation of young people in the movement, saying a new generation of trained and committed volunteers would help sustain humanitarian services for generations. He expressed hope that the Red Cross would remain a symbol of service, solidarity and hope, prepared before disasters, responsive during crises and compassionate at all times.
Chief Minister and IRCS Nagaland State Branch vice president Dr. Neiphiu Rio described the initiative as a welcome step and called for greater public support to strengthen the Society and sustain its humanitarian services.
Rio appreciated Health and Family Welfare Minister and IRCS Nagaland State Branch chairman P. Paiwang Konyak for encouraging people to support the initiative. He also acknowledged the Society’s contributions since its establishment in 1982, particularly its role in relief and humanitarian efforts during natural calamities and disasters in the State.
Reflecting on his association with the Society, Rio said it had worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people and expressed hope that those present would contribute generously to strengthen its humanitarian services across Nagaland.
