The 39th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch (IRCSN), was held at Dr Imkongliba Ao Hall, Lok Bhavan, Kohima, on July 29, with Governor and IRCSN President Nand Kishore Yadav calling for stronger humanitarian services and community resilience.
Addressing the gathering, Yadav described the Indian Red Cross Society as a symbol of “hope, compassion and selfless service” and commended the Nagaland branch for its work in disaster preparedness and response, first aid, health awareness, voluntary blood donation, youth engagement and community welfare.
He highlighted the growing challenges posed by natural disasters, public health emergencies, climate change and substance abuse, and called for greater preparedness, expanded first aid training, increased voluntary blood donation and continued outreach to vulnerable communities.
Chief Minister and IRCSN Vice President Neiphiu Rio congratulated the Red Cross fraternity for its contribution to alleviating human suffering and serving vulnerable communities. He highlighted the Society’s work in disaster response, blood donation, first aid training, health awareness and humanitarian assistance across Nagaland.
Rio particularly commended the joint Community First Responders (CFR) training programme implemented by IRCSN and the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA). He said the programme, now implemented across all 12 districts, was an “excellent example” of government and humanitarian organisations working together to build safer and more resilient communities.
Noting Nagaland’s vulnerability to earthquakes, landslides and other disasters, the Chief Minister said community-based preparedness was “an absolute necessity”. He said trained volunteers can provide immediate assistance during emergencies, potentially saving lives before professional rescue teams arrive.
Rio urged IRCSN and NSDMA to expand the CFR programme so that every district, village and community can benefit from trained volunteers. He also reaffirmed the government’s support for disaster preparedness, voluntary blood donation, first aid education, youth volunteerism and community resilience.
In his introductory address, NSDMA Joint CEO and IRCSN Managing Committee Member Dr Johnny K. Ruangmei said disasters do not distinguish between communities, livelihoods or economic status. Referring to the landslides caused by incessant rainfall in Mon district on July 19, he said people from different communities came forward to assist those affected, demonstrating the “true spirit of humanity”.
Ruangmei highlighted the importance of volunteer training, particularly in search and rescue, and said the AGM was an opportunity not only to review the Society’s work but also to renew its commitment to strengthening volunteer services and preparedness.
General Secretary IRCS Nagaland State Branch Akhale V. Khamo presented the Society’s report. During the meeting, the IRCS Nagaland State Branch also contributed to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
