O P Sharma
The Red Cross society is now faced numerous challenges in the changed situation by gaining greater dynamism in its humanitarian activities across the globe, especially in the disturbed areas. So it has to gain better momentum and garner active public support for serving the ailing humanity.
Significantly, this year’s Red Cross Day theme is ” On the Side of Humanity” which is aimed at serving the humanity with zeal and devotion. The Jammu and Kashmir, like other parts of the country is observing the spirit of the theme during this year and the Indian Red Cross Society, J&K branch is fully prepared for the tasks ahead by working with a missionary spirit and size up to the challenges with public co-operation of one and all: students, youth, men and women from all regions, faiths, gender or class.
Already efforts are afoot for creating awareness about f its missionary works by gearing up resource mobilisation in terms of men, money, material and motivation for mitigating multiple hardships of the victims of natural or man-made calamities in UT of Jammu and Kashmir. A sustained campaign has been launched to sensitise the people, particularly the students and youth in actively involving them in the various plans and programmes for help to the helpless victims, especially the disadvantaged womenfolk or other sections in the urban as well as rural areas in the sensitive and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir in the Bharat. Needed assistance is extended among the needy without any discriminations of caste ,creed, colour or gender in true principles of the Red Cross Society.
The general secretary, IRCS -J&K branch, Rohit Khajuria has infused a spirit and dynamism to its missionary work among the general public in the entire Jammu and Kashmir UT for prompt humanitarian rescue and relief operation for victims of calamities and also arranging prompt necessary assistance to the needy by various agencies: official and non-official , for implementing the mission of the Red Cross Society.
Noble Mission
It is worth mentioning that this sensitive, border and tough terrain in the prevailing situation is confronted by numerous problems and hardships which always require special initiatives to lend a helping hand to the helpless in the true spirit of this missionary organisation( Red Cross Society) by playing a pivotal role in mitigating the miseries in event of emergency situations.
Singular Service
It is noteworthy that the Indian Red Cross Society spread its wings in J&K State during 1947 ( Partition period ) with its first Secretary, Col (retd) Hiranand Dubey ,who played “legendary role to meet the challenging conditions” created due to Pak aggression against India by grabbing one-third area of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State, which had already linked its fate with India through Instrument of Accession and become part of largest democracy of the world. Subsequently a number of distinguished persons served as in various capacities in this branch which played a crucial role in mitigating the sufferings of the conflict-affected influx of refugees / adversely affected aor disadvantaged people who were provided ” balm of relief and rehabilitation and other measures of humanitarian aid”. This J&K branch has been rendering yeoman’s service over the years with a proud record during all calamities and other harsh conditions by mobilising resources of men, money and material. Of course, the Central Red Cross Society, New Delhi provides all necessary support to the J&K branch which stands out as “a centre of singular service”.
New Thrust
According to official record, tangible work has been performed by this noble organisation in Jammu and Kashmir at the two Divisional , districts and other branches with positive outcome. Many stalwarts and committed persons rendered their valuable service to Red Cross in Jammu and Kashmir as all over our country and the entire humanity.
Presently , In Jammu and Kashmir UT, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha , chief patron, is keeping keen eye on efficient and effective overall functioning of J&K Red Cross branch.
In an exclusive interview with me, Secretary General of IRCS-J&K UT, Rohit Khajuria explained in details the stepped-up functioning of this missionary organisation , in this part of the country , to the -needy sections of the people.
Answering a question, Khajuria disclosed that ” Blood Banks are being established both at Jammu and Srinagar by organising blood donation camps to meet the ever- growing demand .of the people. It will certainly be beneficial for the needy patients to save their precious lives and also concerted efforts are already on, in this and other spheres, as per sources.
Touching upon the significant service being rendered by this organisation is modern and decent multi-storey ” Attendants Sarai” functioning at Maheshpura Chowk, Jammu which is provided to the attendants of patients admitted in the GMC, Jammu. The attendants are charged “nominal rates” but free lodging and boarding is given to the cancer patients along with one attendant. This facility is benefitting the people belonging to weaker sections and those hailing from far-flung areas of this part of the country .
Dispensaries were operational at Srinagar and Jammu cities; but now a bold initiative for the wellbeing of the people is setting up of one dispensary in each and every district for providing medical care to the people. Besides, under the Pardhan Mantri Jan Aushadi Kendras, run by the Society, provide medicines at subsidised rates facilitating the treatment of patients.
This branch has taken initiative to activate JRC/YRC at school and colleges to make a strong contingent of volunteers to serve the humanity during peace and disaster. To make the adolescent female awareness of their health and well being regarding menstrual hygiene , this distributed free sanitary napkins and impart awareness. “Free Sanitary Napkins” were distributed among the females for cleanliness and safety. Besides, blankets, kitchen sets, tarpaulin and other essential items are provided to the poor and destitute during the winter season and free tea served to the school students. In additional Pathological laboratory services are provided to the needy.
Selfless Service
IRCCS of J&K organises Blood Donation camps periodically with the collaboration of social organisations, institutions and Belt-forces to save the precious human lives in Jammu and Kashmir. From time to time Medical Camps are organised for medical check-up, treatment, immunisation for the down-trodden people . It is noteworthy that the J&K Society extends financial aid to the poor and needy patients suffering from cancer, kidney failure, heart diseases t
To raise resources various efforts are made and besides collection of voluntary donations, other options like Raffle Draws are arrange and during May, 2023 more than Rs one crore have been collected .
The involvement of the official machinery and support of general public, particularly the students and youth is being ensured for optimal results in rescue and relief measures of victims of natural and man-made calamities, which is a gigantic and challenging task . Needless to add that though much is being performed but evidently still lot more needs to be done; as a famous English poet has well said “we have still miles to go….” And significantly J&K Red Cross i Society is making sustained endeavours on this noble for well being of our people and the entire humanity.
(The writer is Jammu-based freelance veteran journalist who writes on social and cultural matters)