International Red Cross came into being after World War II. Amidst the killings, brutalities, torture of war prisoners and other atrocities that followed the catastrophic WW II, great minds rising above international rivalries and human weakness for revenge and recrimination proposed constitution of an international organization that would perform its role as servants of humanity irrespective of region, politics, colour and class. Thus came into being the International Red Cross with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland under the name of International Red Cross Society (IRCS). As Switzerland happens to be a neutral country during the war, and even otherwise as well, incepting the IRCS in Geneva lent it the credibility that it claimed. The most human ideals of the IRCS soon made it an exceptionally respectful intentional organization of which peace loving countries of the world agreed to be the member, contribute to its funds meant for humanitarian activities, and also agreed to open its branches in their countries. It expanded all over the world so much so that now we have its branches in almost all States of the Indian Union including one for J&K State.
Aware of the fact that war is not a permanent phenomenon, the area and scope of activity for the State Red Cross Society remained somewhat confined to providing on small scale medical or other humanitarian succour to the needy especially during disaster periods like floods, fire and epidemics etc. But in the recently held 168th Managing Committee Meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society, J&K, its Chairman, Governor N.N. Vohra unfolded a much larger role for the State Red Cross than what it has been concerned with in the past. If his vision of expanding the services of the Red Cross is pursued in letter and in spirit, then State branch of Indian Red Cross Society will be playing a pioneering role. The foremost task before the organization is to raise the number of volunteers willing to be enlisted for rendering humanitarian services in times of emergency. It must have adequate manpower not only in premier cities but also on district, block and tehsil levels. A crucial decision taken in the meeting was that the Red Cross will open Jan Aushadhi Generic Drug Stores in all the District Hospitals of the State within next six months. These stores will provide cheap and certified drugs to the needy. The facility will be gradually extended on tehsil and block levels throughout the State. Among various extended activities proposed by the Governor one is of raising trained manpower that can be called at shortest possible notice to render service in situations of grave concern or natural disaster. There is the need of organizing First Aid and short term Disaster Managing courses and security drills for the Red Cross volunteers. It is to build capacities in undertaking rescue and relief operation work in times of emergency. In particular, the people living in accident prone hilly areas of the State need to be equipped with primary training in disaster management so that in a situation of road accident they can be the first to reach the site of disaster and manage it within their capacity. Once the exercise becomes smooth and functional, it can be extended to schools, colleges and universities. The Red Cross needs to build the youth of the State with new energy, skill and resourcefulness to be of good support to the civil society. Red Cross could organize periodical medical training camps in which the youth of the State could be provided with elementary training in healthcare, drug control and related matters. We need to build the cadres from grass roots level. Red Cross melas (rallies) organized once or twice in major towns throughout the State would help in bringing awareness among the people about the good work that Red Cross can render in times of need. People need to socialize with the institution of Red Cross as an organization of volunteers with dedication.
In terms of funding, Red Cross has to be a self-generating organization. Big business houses, industrial units, philanthropic individuals and groups and NGOs all are among its contributors. But the funding sources have to be expanded and even ordinary people have to be motivated to make their small or big contributions. Red Cross flags are distributed by school and college going students to make collections but something more needs to be done. The suggestion is that properly sealed and secured collection boxes need to be installed in public places, airports, railway stations, bus terminals, educational and professional institutes, parks and hospitals and many other public places to augment funding resource of the Red Cross.
We highly appreciate the vision for widening the ambit of activities for the State Red Cross. The meeting also reviewed the progress of the new Red Cross complex now under construction in Srinagar. Hopefully a new spacious complex will also be contemplated for Jammu. In short extended activity of Red Cross has to supplement the work of the Health, Education, Transport, Tourism and many other departments and coordination of sorts is what should be focused at in future.
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