INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY: THROUGH HUMANITY TO PEACE

HENRY DUNANT (1828-1910) He was born on 8th may 1828 The man whose vision led to the creation of the worldwide Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. He went from riches to rags but became joint recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.

History of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement -:

Young Swiss businessman, Jean Henry Dunant was appalled by the condition of the wounded soldiers he happened to see in the battle field of Solferino , Italy in 1859 during the Franco - Austrian war. He arranged relief services with the help of the local community immediately. He wrote the book 'Memory of Solferino' suggesting that a neutral organization be established to aid the wounded soldiers in times of war. Just a year after the release of this book, an international conference was convened in Geneva to consider the suggestions of Henry Dunant and thus the Red Cross Movement was born. International Red Cross Movement was established by Geneva Convention of 1864. The name and the emblem of the movement are derived from the reversal of the Swiss national flag, to honor the country in which Red Cross was found

Who We Are : The Indian Red Cross is a voluntary humanitarian organization having a network of over 700 branches throughout the country, providing relief in times of disasters/emergencies and promotes health & care of the vulnerable people and communities. It is a leading member of the largest independent humanitarian organization in the world, the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement. The Mission of the Indian Red Cross is to inspire, encourage and initiate at all times all forms of humanitarian activities so that human suffering can be minimized and even prevented and thus contribute to creating more congenial climate for peace.

Red Cross Emblem-: The National Society make use of the emblem as an indicative device in peacetime and during armed conflicts within the limits stipulated in national legislation, the regulations and its statutes only for activities consistent with the principles set out by International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES Humanity Impartiality Neutrality Independence Voluntary Service Unity Universality

Humanity-:

The international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious, beliefs, class or political options. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being solely by their needs and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

In order to enjoy the confidence of all the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence-:

The Movement is independent The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the laws of their Governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their authority so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary Service-:

It is voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for again.

There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent in any one country There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all societies have equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

Volunteer-: Volunteering has been at the very heart of the Red Cross since its inception in 1920.Volunteers are the backbone of all Indian Red Cross activities, helping branches to run successful programmes and assisting millions of vulnerable people in need. IRCS reward and recognize volunteers whenever possible and appropriate and provides appropriate personal development opportunities. IRCS recruits volunteers irrespective of their race, ethnicity, sex, religious belief, age, and disability or membership. All volunteers are entitled to choose to become a Member of Indian Red Cross Society, can have appropriate training or personnel development to be able to undertake their agreed tasks or role; and accept or refuse any task or role in accordance of a code of ethic or fundamentals of a voluntary service.

Junior Red Cross-: Children and adolescent also represent a substantial part of the membership of Red Cross for its humanitarian commitment. Young volunteers can make a significant contribution to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable people within their local communities through Red Cross programme. This has been designed to involve young people as much as possible in the movement and its activities not only as workers but also as beneficiaries, and as partners in management.

Programmes and Activities : The Indian Red Cross's programmes are grouped into four main core areas: Promoting humanitarian principles and values; Disaster response; Disaster preparedness; and Health and Care in the Community. Red Cross promotes the Humanitarian values, which encourage respect for other human beings and a willingness to work together to find solutions to problems. From the seven fundamental principles, the movement aims to influence the behavior of all the people. Disaster response continues to represent the largest portion of IRCS work, with assistance to millions of people annually ranging from refugees to victims of natural disasters.

Other Major activities includes-: hospital services, blood bank, HIV/AIDS programmes, home for disabled servicemen ,vocational training centers, tracing activities, maternity , child and family welfare, nursing, junior red cross activities, preparedness and prevention of communicable & infectious diseases, relief operations in fire, railway & other accidents and events .