Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, May 8: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, today emphasized the crucial need for raising a corpus of Red Cross Volunteers at Village, Block, Tehsil and District levels to strengthen Red Cross movement in the State and provide succour to the needy in the event of any unforeseen or emergent situation. The Governor was addressing the gathering at the Red Cross Mela organized by the District Red Cross Society, Srinagar, at Joggers Park, Raj Bagh here today to celebrate the World Red Cross Day. The Governor observed that the Red Cross Volunteers need to be adequately trained and equipped with the required equipment to enable them to provide all required and timely help to the needy. He observed that efforts are being made to significantly enlarge and strengthen the Red Cross movement in the State. Referring to the World Red Cross Day, the Governor said that since its establishment 150 years ago this movement has been doing a yeoman’s service across the globe. He paid tribute to Sir Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross movement and assured all possible support to strengthen Red Cross movement in the State. The Governor complimented the District Red Cross Society, Srinagar, for organizing the Red Cross Mela. He also lauded Mr. John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle, for bringing out a Special Cover and My Stamp on Red Cross to mark this occasion. The Governor gave away sewing machines to a number of needy women and wheel chairs to certain physically-challenged persons on this occasion. He also distributed prizes among the winners and runners up of the boys and girls cycling race. The Governor also released Special Cover and My Stamp brought out by the Postal Department and unveiled the Red Cross Logo on this occasion. Earlier, the Governor flagged off the Slow Cycling Race and inaugurated stalls put up by various organizations as part of the Red Cross Mela. He also viewed the models prepared by the students and lauded their creative talents. Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA, speaking on the occasion threw light on the importance of the Red Cross movement. He announced Rs. 10 lakh out of his CDF towards the construction of Red Cross Bhawan at Srinagar. Mr. Shailendra Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, who is Chairman of the Regional Red Cross Society, Kashmir, gave details of the functioning of the Regional Red Cross Society and the activities planned for the future. Mr. John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle, introduced the Special Cover and My Stamp on Red Cross brought out by the Department of Posts. In his welcome address, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, dwelt on the various activities undertaken by the District Red Cross Society in the past and its future Action Plan. Mrs. Roma Wani, Hony General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, J&K State Branch, presented a Vote of Thanks. A cultural programme was also presented on this occasion. Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, senior officers, functionaries and members of the Red Cross Society, social activists, prominent citizens and school children were among those present on the occasion. |