Members of Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State branch during World Red Cross day in Kohima on May 8. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | May 8
Member of Initiatives of Change (India) Niketu Iralu today said, “our society is collapsing into a black hole created by all of us” while observing, “in our own state, region, and globally we are seeing, hearing and experiencing of conflict situations going out of control in all continents.”
He was speaking at the World Red Cross Day observed by the Nagaland State Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society in Kohima under the theme, ‘Keeping Humanity Alive’ at the Red Cross building on May 8.
Citing the situation of the Nagas, he questioned whether we can “deny that the Naga struggle ‘underground’ has destroyed itself and the people for whom it got started and the Naga Government ‘over-ground’ too has destroyed itself and the people for whom it also came into being.”
Iralu observed that all Nagas will be found to be passionate about doing what is right and good but we do what is right our way, not God’s way — and we force God to bless it.
In the larger context of situations, Iralu said that given the enormously increased threats and dangers today due to immense increase in populations of nations, climate change, depletion of resources among others, the uncomfortable truth was that blaming, irresponsible use of excuses are now unaffordable luxuries we have to leave behind.
Iralu said international movement founded dealt only with what is called “disease process” which deals with the epidemic of a disease only. However, he underscored that unless the origins of the disease are dealt with thoroughly, like water, air and soil pollution, unclean drains and garbage dumps, etc., the epidemic will keep breaking out.
He said this is one of the most important realities all societies with dreams and aspirations have to understand and accept the changes required as normal thinking and living.
Coming to our society, Iralu said, “unless each one of us accepts our duty and responsibility to do what we do excellently and properly as we know all Christians, Hindu, Muslims etc., should whatever our job and place of work may be, our society is collapsing into a black hole created by all of us.”
Iralu asserted that today’s theme, “Keeping humanity alive,” goes to the deeper need Henry Dunant, the founder of Red Cross Society saw before he died. “He saw the need for the Red Cross Movement to become a movement that would also heal the hurts and hates, fears, greed and want of power at all costs not just one that addressed the sufferings of the human body and material destruction.”
Speaking on the important role of Red Cross, Iralu said ‘from all that we are seeing, hearing and experiencing of conflict situations going out of control in all continents, we know how important the effectiveness of the Red Cross Society and movement is for our world in peril.’
The official theme of the Red Cross Society globally, “Through humanity to peace” and the theme this year, Keeping humanity alive, in their entirety, points towards achieving peace and keeping humanity alive by stopping all that lead to killings.
Speaking on the theme, Dr R Rose Chakhesang, MC member IRCSN said that humanity is still alive and called upon the people to love each other with compassionate heart and kindness, support the needy. He also reminded them to practice the core humanity values and kept humanity alive till their life.
A DIPR report added that General Secretary IRCSN Akhale V Khamo delivered the Secretary General’s Message. She also read out the greetings message of the Governor La Ganesan and Chief Minister and from Indian Red Cross, New Delhi. MC Member IRCSN Kheviho T Shohe acknowledged the special quest.
The programme was attended by Founder of Nagaland State Red Cross Society, Khyomo Lotha, former minister Nicky Kire, Abeni TCK Lotha and Managing committee IRCSN, Patrons and others.
Songs were presented by Junior Red Cross from G Rio School and Zoe group. The programme was chaired by Helena Yepthomi, Vice President, IRCSN and Dr Vinito Chishi, MC member IRCSN gave the welcome address.
