Indian Red Cross Society , Nagaland State Branch, in collaboration with Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), organised a training for Community First Responders (CFR) at DC Conference Hall in Kiphire today.
Special guest Akhale V Khamo, General Secretary of IRCSN, delivered a keynote address in which she shared a brief history of the Red Cross movement. “The Red Cross society was started after Swiss businessman Henry Dunant saw the suffering of wounded soldiers in 1859,” she said. Dunant’s proposal for neutral groups to assist during wars led to the founding of the Red Cross in 1863 and the establishment of humanitarian laws to protect the wounded.
Khamo informed that the Red Cross was established in India in 1923 and in Nagaland in 1982. She emphasized that the Red Cross is a non-profit organisation that “is always concerned for the common good of humanity, with no partiality, discrimination or involvement in bad politics.”
“We in Red Cross believe in the motto: everything that we do comes from our heart for humanity,” she stated.
Highlighting the organisation’s role in disaster relief, she said the Red Cross provides aid “in all possible ways during natural disasters,” and is also involved in “blood donation services which benefit people who need the right blood during their medical treatment.”
Khamo also introduced participants to the Seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross:
Humanity – to prevent and alleviate human suffering and promote respect for all;
Impartiality – to provide aid without discrimination;
Neutrality – to avoid taking sides in conflicts;
Independence – to maintain autonomy while working with governments;
Voluntary Service – to work without profit motive;
Unity – one Red Cross or Red Crescent society per country;
Universality – all societies share equal status and responsibility.
“These principles guide the Red Cross’s humanitarian work worldwide,” she said.
She also requested the district administration to allot an office space for the District Red Cross “so as to act as a support system for the workers and to preserve and store medical aid or assistance for the needful citizens.”
A live CPR demonstration was held for the participants, alongside sessions on drug abuse awareness and disaster management.
District Fire & Emergency Services, led by Sub-Inspector Tsarose S. Sangtam, gave a special presentation on the “prevention and treatment of various natural and man-made disasters,” with a focus on fire safety.
Chief Medical Officer of Kiphire, Dr R Wapang, in his address, drew attention to the lack of “even basic proper medical facilities in remote parts of the district, especially under Pungro sub-division.” He urged the Red Cross to intervene and advocate with the appropriate authorities for swift action.
ADC Kiphire Longdiba encouraged the attendees to “be well-equipped with the right knowledge for medical assistance to counter any unfortunate situation,” adding that society lacks contributors to public welfare, such as blood donors. He urged the volunteers to “be a building block for our society.”
The program was chaired by Lumtsingse L. Sangtam. The welcome address was delivered by Mughaholi Anthony, MC Member of IRCSN, and the vote of thanks was offered by Tsointhe Sangtam, Honorary Secretary of IRCSN, Kiphire.