Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 284/07

WORLD RED CROSS DAY OBSERVED

The Lamp of Nightangle is still burning echoed the Meghalaya Governor, Mr. B. L. Joshi in his first speech in a public programme as the Governor of Meghalaya. He was the Chief Guest in a programme organized by the Indian Red Cross Society, Meghalaya State Branch Shillong to commemorate the World Red Cross Day at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan on May 09, 2007. The theme for the celebration was “Together for Humanity”.

Appreciating the commitment of the Red Cross Society for their concerted effort in helping the downtrodden, Mr. Joshi exhorted them to carry forward the responsibility. He further said that since its inception in 1920 the Indian Red Cross Society has been in the forefront to reach to the people during the time of their distress. He also appealed to the people of the state through the people present on the occasion to join hands to achieve the goal of togetherness in serving humanity.

Later, Mr. Joshi inaugurated the Flag of the Red Cross and distributed Life Member Certificates to some members.

Meghalaya Health Minister, Mrs. Deborah. C. Marak, in her speech as the Guest of Honour called upon the Organizations to work with the intention of bringing good result and growth in the state especially in the rural areas.

Padmashree Mrs. Queenie Rynjah, Senior Citizens and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The other highlights of the day were songs and skits presented by the Junior Red Cross.

It may be mentioned that the Indian Red Cross Society, Meghalaya State Branch, Shillong since its inception has been doing great services towards the weaker sections of the society. It runs a Maternity Home of 15 Beds and also a clinic for Ante-natal, Post-natal and Children Clinic. 61 delivery cases were taken during the year 2006-07. The staff consists of a Midwife, Midwife Assistant, Auxiliary Nurse and Midwifery (ANM) under the supervision of the deputed Government Doctor. It has distributed relief materials (Cotton Blanket, Plastic Buckets, Towels, Bed Sheets, Kitchen sets, Tarpaulins and Assorted clothes) for the cyclone victims of Nongstoin area. It has organized Blood Donation Camp wherein 14 Unite of Blood were donated to the Regional Blood Bank of Pasteur Institute. A free Eye Camp was also organized at Sohbar Village, Cherrapunjee on March 09, 2007. A total of 182 persons were screened and free spectacles and medicines were provided to the needy.