Chizokho Vero
Kohima | February 26
Lauding the completion of 25 years of the Red Cross movement in Nagaland, Governor K. Sankaranarayanan today asserted that the Red Cross Society Nagaland must continue to grow.
Having around 5000 members at present, delivering health care packages, rendering relief materials to the affected families of natural calamity, first aid training, ambulance services and construction of the Red Cross complex topped the list of the state branch achievement within 25 years.
“Today, as we pause on the 25th milestone, not only looking back on our achievements but also peering into the future, it should be clear to us that the Red Cross Society Nagaland must continue to grow,” the Governor said in his address at the 25th Anniversary of Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch here at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan this morning.
Stating that the people need more of its service, Sankaranarayanan said “We need to cover the remaining four districts in the state with the ambulance service.”
The Governor called upon the legislators from the districts of Kiphire, Longleng, Wokha and Zunheboto to come together and make their contributions for purchase of ambulance for their respective districts.
The Red Cross Society also needs to expand its activities, the Governor said adding that out of the Rs. 71 lakhs that the Society plans to spend in this financial year, only about Rs. 13.42 lakhs are earmarked for its programmes, including Rs. 6 lakhs for holding of medical camps and relief.
“There is a need to build more muscle in the organization so that it can deliver more services to the people,” Sankaranarayanan added.
The Governor also acknowledged the pioneering efforts of Dr. (Miss) K.K. Angami, Vizol, G. Borgohain and others wherein Nagaland Branch of Indian Red Cross society was established in 1982. “Today, we salute them as their baby matures into a 25 years old organization with branches in all the eleven districts of the state,” the governor said.
Also complimenting the progress of state branch, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio hoped that the state branch will continue to render its best service with fresh energy and enthusiasm.
Also stating that many district branches are yet to own its buildings, Rio requested the Deputy Commissioners, Managing Board and others to pursue the matter so that working system will be more visible and better organized.
Dr. (Miss) K.K. Angami, Ist Hony. Secretary IRCSN in her address stressed on the need to support and take care of the needy and poor people and hoped that the state branch will continue to provide the necessity to those “who are in need of our help.”
Earlier, the function was chaired by Povotso Lohe, chairman IRCSN while Rev. Dr. Neiliezhu Usou, senior pastor, Minister’s Hill Baptist Church, Kohima said a prayer. Welcome address was delivered by H. Hesso, chairman Planning Committee while Rev. Dr. L. Tsanso, general secretary, IRCSN talked on “What is Red Cross.”
YRC, Crown Centre, Dimapur and male voice, Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima presented special numbers on the occasion.
Release of souvenir, memento and presentation also marked the occasion. The function concluded with vote of thanks tendered by Abeni TCK, MC member, IRCSN. Red Cross members from Kerala also graced the function.
