Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 8: In a solemn tribute to the humanitarian legacy of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross movement, a special program was convened on May 8th, 2024, at the Justice Mehr Chand Mahajan Hall in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. The event, held in honor of World Red Cross Day, celebrated the birth anniversary of the illustrious humanitarian, Henry Dunant, who was also the recipient of the inaugural Nobel Peace Prize.
Jugal Mahajan, esteemed Senior Life Member and elected Member of the newly formed team of Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), extended a warm welcome to the chief guest, B.R. Sharma, IAS, State Election Commissioner, and Former Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir State, along with other dignitaries and guests. Reflecting on the ethos of volunteerism, Mahajan shared poignant insights into the noble tradition of selflessly aiding the less fortunate.
The event witnessed enlightening addresses from key figures within the IRCS. Shri Dinesh Gupta, Patron of IRCS and newly elected Chairman of IRCS, Jammu, illuminated the audience on the profound humanitarian endeavors of the organization, underscoring its mission to assist the sick, wounded, and impoverished members of society. He further elucidated on the recent legislative developments, including the adoption of new Red Cross Rules, aimed at revitalizing the organization's role as a primary responder.
Padma Dr. Jatinder Udhampuri, a distinguished member of the State Managing Committee of Red Cross, Jammu, captivated the audience with a poignant poem, reminiscent of the myriad welfare activities undertaken by the Red Cross in the region. Seema Khajuria, a former Senior Additional Advocate General and esteemed member of the Managing Committee of Jammu and Kashmir State Red Cross, emphasized the pivotal role of the organization in alleviating the suffering of marginalized communities.
Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.K. Sharma and Lt. Gen. Rakesh Sharma (Retd.), along with other esteemed speakers, shared poignant anecdotes highlighting the impactful interventions of the Red Cross, underscoring its indispensable role as a beacon of hope for the downtrodden.
The event also celebrated the achievements of student participants from various educational institutions, who were felicitated by distinguished guests for their contributions to the theme of the year.
In his address, B.R. Sharma, State Election Commissioner, underscored the critical importance of volunteerism and commended the recent legislative strides aimed at bolstering the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross. He called for enhanced collaboration between government entities and civil society to mitigate the sufferings of humanity, urging greater support for dedicated volunteers.
The occasion was graced by the presence of several prominent individuals, including Dr. Tahir Choudhary, Manju Singh, and other esteemed guests, alongside the elected members of the IRCS, Jammu District. The event served as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of compassion and solidarity embodied by the Red Cross movement. |
