World Red Cross Day was observed across several districts of Nagaland on May 8 with walkathons, awareness programmes and humanitarian messages under themes such as “Walk for Humanity”, “United for Humanity” and “United in Humanity”. Programmes were organised by branches of the Indian Red Cross Society in Kohima, Mokokchung, Wokha and Kiphire, highlighting the importance of compassion, volunteerism and humanitarian service.
In Kohima, the Nagaland State Branch of the IRCS organised a “Walk for Humanity” walkathon from the Red Cross Complex to Old NST. The programme was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Kohima B. Henok Buchem, who is also the President of IRCS Kohima Branch. Addressing the gathering, MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso spoke on the importance of humanity in a conflict-ridden world and recalled the humanitarian work of Henry Dunant. “Problems in society are created by human beings and can only be solved by human beings,” he said, urging participants to practise compassion in daily life.
In Mokokchung, the IRCS district branch observed the day at the Conference Hall of the Chief Medical Officer’s office under the theme “United for Humanity”. Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of IRCS Mokokchung District Branch, Ajit Kumar Verma, said the occasion honours the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant and emphasised that humanity is a collective movement driven by dedication and compassion. Junior Red Cross members from Queen Mary Higher Secondary School and Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School also shared their experiences during the programme.
At Wokha, the programme was held at the DC’s Conference Hall under the theme “United in Humanity” with Dr. Khyobenthung Tsopoe as the special guest. Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross movement and stressed the importance of helping others and building compassionate communities. Deputy Commissioner K. Mhathung Tsanglao also encouraged citizens to be socially and morally conscious while volunteering.
Meanwhile, IRCS Kiphire Branch observed the day at the DPDB Hall with Additional Deputy Commissioner Longdiba L Sangtam as the special guest. Speaking at the programme, he said the theme “United in Humanity” reminds people that humanitarian service is a collective responsibility. “Be the help that starts with a simple act of kindness,” he said, encouraging people to support humanitarian work through blood donation, volunteering and awareness on disaster preparedness.
The programmes across the districts also included awareness sessions and felicitation of volunteers and life members.
