On: 17 JUL 2023 – The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presided over the ceremonial session of AGM of Indian Red Cross Society at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that philanthropy has been considered the most important human value in Indian tradition. She was happy to note that the Indian Red Cross Society has been serving people for more than 100 years. She added that the Red Cross has shown its commitment through relief work during the natural disasters and health emergencies. She appreciated all the members and volunteers of the Society for their dedication and service to humanity. She said that their dedication, compassion and selfless spirit towards human service inspire others. She expressed confidence that the Indian Red Cross Society would continue to work for the welfare of humanity.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that philanthropy has been considered the most important human value in Indian tradition. She was happy to note that the Indian Red Cross Society has been serving people for more than 100 years. She added that the Red Cross has shown its commitment through relief work during the natural disasters and health emergencies. She appreciated all the members and volunteers of the Society for their dedication and service to humanity. She said that their dedication, compassion and selfless spirit towards human service inspire others. She expressed confidence that the Indian Red Cross Society would continue to work for the welfare of humanity.
Governors and Lt. Governors from 9 states and UT’s participated in the AGM physically while some others joined virtually. Hon’ble Chairman of IRCS, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya was also present.
This AGM took place physically after six years due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Over 300 delegates from all over the country participated in the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mandaviya stated that the Red Cross is born to serve the needy and vulnerable. He added that the “Indian Red Cross has to reach the next level by engaging in relief programs beyond Indian boundaries.”
The Union Health Minister informed that in order to bring more efficiency and transparency, state IRCS branches will be required to give a monthly report in the form of PPT to their Hon’ble Governors so that Red Cross work is disseminated and more and more people get attached to the organization. He also said that Red Cross should work transparently so that it becomes the first choice to get funding under CSR from the corporate world.
During the function, Hon’ble President conferred Red Cross Gold Medals upon Dr. LN Ambati Natraj from Telangana and Dr. Goparaju Samaram from Andhra Pradesh. IRCS, Odisha State branch was awarded for raising maximum funds and IRCS Jammu & Kashmir was awarded for raising maximum funds in relation to its population for the year 2021-22 amongst the UT Branches. Gujarat State branch and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, UT branch received Blood Donation Shields for highest voluntary blood collection. Gujarat State branch won the Gold Medal for collecting over 2 lakhs 77 thousand units of blood during the year.
