ITANAGAR, : The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) participated in the World Red Cross Day commemoration at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on Wednesday.
A blood donation platform was organized on the occasion by the Indian Red Cross Society, Arunachal Pradesh Branch in collaboration with Raj Bhavan, Itanagar, Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh State and Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Science (TRIHMS).
The Governor, who is the President of Indian Red Cross Society, Arunachal Pradesh Branch said that World Red Cross Day is observed on the Birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of Red Cross society to emulate his ideals of self-service to society. He appealed to the people of the State, particularly the youth and students to voluntarily donate blood and save the life of needy people.
Sharing his experiences in Sri Lanka, where he commanded IPKF as Leading Brigade Commander, the Governor appreciated the spirit of volunteerism amongst the Red Cross workers. He also cited the examples of the highly dedicated volunteers of Magen David Adom (MDA), officially recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as the national aid society of the State of Israel under the Geneva Conventions. The Governor urged upon the citizens to emulate the lofty values of the MDA volunteers in service of their people.
The Governor, who is member of the Governing Body of All Indian Red Cross Society, nominated by President of India, requested Dr. Vanshree Singh, Director, Blood Bank, Indian Red Cross Society, National Headquarters, New Delhi and the Director of TRIHMS to make the blood bank facilities fully functional and beneficial to every need person.
Dr. Vanshree Singh, Director, Blood Bank, Indian Red Cross Society, National Headquarters, New Delhi, Dr. Emi Rmni, Hony. Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Arunachal Pradesh and Ramesh Jeke, President, Junior Red Cross, Arunachal Pradesh delivered the keynote, welcome and gratitude address respectively on the occasion.
Earlier, B.D. Anna and Geto Ngomdir, Blood Recipients and Aini Taloh, Hage Angkha and Hillang Bharat, Blood Donors, shared their experiences and highlighted the significance of blood donation.
First Lady of the State, Neelam Misra, Vice Chairman, IRCS, Arunachal Pradesh, Er. Tome Ete, Secretary Health and Family Welfare cum Managing Director, National Health Mission, Juhi Mukherjee, Commandant 12th Bn NDRF, Doimukh, Umesh Kumar Thapiyal, Director, Health Service Dr. M. Lego, members of State Commission for Women, Heads of Department, officials of Directorate of Health and Family welfare, members of State IRCS and volunteers were present on the occasion.
A large number of volunteers, including personnel from NDRF, ITBP, CRPF and State Police and NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, students from colleges and university, NGOs, government officials, and the public turned up to donate blood.