1. I am indeed
happy to participate in the ceremonial session of the Annual General Meeting of
the Indian Red Cross Society and the St. John Ambulance (India). I extend a
warm welcome to all the volunteers of these organizations, many of whom have
come from far to attend this important event. I congratulate all the award
winners, who have been recognized for their exemplary services towards
humanitarian causes.
2. The Red Cross
and St. John Ambulance have been active in their service to the humanity. The
Red Cross, in its history of 150 years, has upheld the fundamental values of
humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and
universality.
3. In India, the
Indian Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance have been at the forefront of
humanitarian service in the country since 1920. The Indian Red Cross Society is
truly a pan-Indian organization. It operates through 700 branches and draws
millions of volunteers and members to carry out its programmes.
St. John Ambulance (India) also commands a wide reach in the country with its
21 state and 3 union territory centres, 9 railway centres, and many regional and local centres.
4. The Indian Red
Cross Society and St. John Ambulance (India) have increased the reach of their programmes in no small measure. They have marked their
presence increasingly through schools of nursing, homes for the elderly,
tuberculosis programmes, disaster response and
preparedness, and education on positive attitude for children and youth.
Millions of people have benefitted from the expansion in their efforts.
5. Resources are a
key ingredient to sustain philanthropic activities. I am told that the
financial health of the Indian Red Cross Society has improved considerably in
recent years. Both the organizations are now financially sustainable, and are
in a comfortable position to further enhance the scale of their efforts.
6. There is a need
to maintain a uniform standard in the delivery of service and provision of
assistance. I, therefore, applaud the initiative to frame uniform rules for the
Indian Red Cross Society. I am told that these rules have been implemented by a
majority of the Society’s branches. I urge the remaining branches to also implement
these standards.
7. Ladies and
Gentlemen, despite the progress made by mankind, it can exercise no control
over occurrence of natural disasters. While we may not be able to prevent such
unfortunate events from occurring, we can definitely lessen their adverse
impact on human lives. For that, the quick response mechanisms for relief must
be reinforced. We have strengthened our nation’s capability to respond to
emergencies that has resulted in saving countless lives. The National Disaster
Management Authority, the National Institute of Disaster Management, and the
National Disaster Response Force are the front line of India’s disaster
preparedness providing policy, guidance and effective response to natural
calamities. But immediate disaster relief also calls for efficient local
response. It is in these situations that volunteer-based organizations like the
Indian Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance (India) can play a very crucial
role.
8. Local
volunteers, who understand local conditions better, can deal with disasters in
the locality more effectively. It is gratifying to note that the Indian Red
Cross Society is developing local community members to respond to such
challenges. I urge upon the Society to encourage widening the network of young
people as “first medical responders”.
9. I am told that
newly renovated warehouses have enabled the Indian Red Cross Society to deal
with disaster responses with greater efficacy. It is well placed to partner
with government authorities to quickly provide aid and relief. The
collaborative efforts of the Society with other similar organizations also have
the potential for more efficient and effective handling of disaster situations.
10. Ladies and
Gentlemen, economic prosperity of our country is manifested in the increasing
purchasing power of the people. The number of cars on Indian roads has
multiplied during the last four to five decades. This has unfortunately
resulted in a substantial increase in the number of road accidents. In 1970,
the number of road accidents per one lakh population
was 21.2. This has risen by almost 2 times, to 41.1, in 2011. The number of
deaths due to accidents in India in 2009 at 10.8 per one lakh
population is far higher than in countries like Japan and UK, where it is less
than 5 per one lakh population. This calls for
pro-active programmes to ensure immediate medical
assistance during road accidents so as to minimize the loss of life.
11. The success of
any organization lies in the development of its skilled manpower. I am told
that the Indian Red Cross Society has taken steps for capacity building and
skill development. The Society’s Post Graduate Diploma Course in Disaster
Preparedness and Rehabilitation, run in collaboration with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha
University, is a step in the correct direction. It will ensure the availability
of highly trained manpower at the time of disasters. I compliment those who are
behind this initiative and urge them to further expand the capacity of such
trained workforce.
12. The Indian Red
Cross Society is known for its promotion of health related causes like blood
donation. The Society should pride itself in the fact that it’s 166 blood banks
contribute almost 10 per cent of our country’s blood supply. 85 per cent of the
blood donated through the Society is on voluntary basis. Despite the notable
efforts of our country’s blood banks, our country remains short of 2 million
units of blood. I take this opportunity to call upon our young men and women to
come forward in a big way and take part in voluntary blood donation. Greater
sensitization of our youth towards this important social service is absolutely
necessary. Our efforts must be to ensure that not a single person in need of
blood is left unanswered.
13. Our demography
is today characterized by a growing number of elderly people. We must ensure
that those who have invested a lifetime in the growth of their families and the
nation are not left alone without care. The Home healthcare attendant programme of these organizations aimed at training young
people to take care of the elderly is a laudable initiative. I look forward to
seeing many young people trained for this noble vocation. The energy of youth
and the wisdom from experience of the elderly will surely lead to mutual
benefit for the care-provider and the care-recipient.
14. The
contribution of Indian Red Cross Society to the development of weaker
communities overseas has grown over the years. I am told that India has become
one of the most significant donors to the International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies. The Indian Red Cross Society is playing an
important role at the international level in matters of health and development,
blood donation policy and disaster response and recovery. I applaud the Society
for delivering on its humanitarian agenda regardless of geographical frontiers.
I am confident of the Society continuing to play a meaningful role in
international humanitarian assistance.
15. It is a
challenge to work for society in a voluntary capacity, even though it is
satisfying. It holds true for the members and volunteers of these two
organizations as well. Once Kaviguru, Rabindranath
Tagore, had observed and I quote: “If I cannot make it through one door, I will
go through another door - or I will make a door. Something terrific will come
no matter how dark the present (unquote).” The doors that the Red Cross can
open will bring a brighter future for all of us.
16. I take this
opportunity to compliment Shri Ghulam
Nabi Azad, Dr. S.P. Agarwal
and all the office bearers of the Indian Red Cross Society and St. John
Ambulance (India) for working with unflinching dedication, absolute commitment
and thorough expertise. I wish the organizations all success in their future endeavours. I also wish you all a successful conduct of the
Annual General Meeting.
Thank you.
Jai Hind.
