The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS)
The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) was established in 1920 under the Indian Red Cross Society Act and incorporated under the Parliament Act XV of 1920 (as Amended by Act No. 22 of 1956 and the Adaptation of Laws (No 4) order of 1957 and the Act. No. 14 of 1992).
It is a member of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and is recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross. In accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, namely: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality the Indian Red Cross Society acts as an auxiliary to the state in the carrying out of humanitarian activities. It also provides a range of services, including disaster relief, health and social welfare programmes in the country. During wartime, the society works as auxiliary to the armed forces medical services and also assists the affected civilian as per the Geneva Conventions
Mission: Indian Red Cross Society
The Indian Red Cross Society aims to inspire, encourage and initiate at all times, all forms of humanitarian activities so that human suffering can be minimized, alleviated and even prevented, thus contribute to creating a more congenial climate for peace.
Youth Red Cross - History
The involvement and contribution of young people to the work of the Red Cross has an interesting history. This genesis of their engagement originated in the province of Quebec, Canada in 1914, when school children first participated in the humanitarian work of the Red Cross work by making bandages, dressings and other comforts for soldiers. The idea soon spread to other Canadian provinces. By 1915, this idea had spread to Europe while in the United States, eleven million school children were engaged in similar activities. During World War I, several countries encouraged young people to assist in Red Cross work. By 1918, formal youth sections were organized in Australia, Canada, Italy and the United States. The creation of League of Red Cross (now International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) in 1919 increased the emphasis on peacetime activities of the Red Cross through the establishment of a coordinating body for National Societies, which to a great extent helped in the expansion of youth programmes throughout the world.
By 1921, youth sections had been created in a further eight countries: Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Yugoslavia. The following year France, Japan, Romania and Sweden also established similar youth sections, bringing the total to at least 16 countries. In 1922, the youth programme of the Red Cross was officially recognized and supported by Resolution No. XVIII adopted by the General Council of League of Red Cross Societies. Expansion of Red Cross youth programmes to young people outside the schools or other than those attending educational institution were embodied in one of the General Councils resolutions XIX. By 1935, 51 countries had sections focused on young people, with total membership of 15 million with a 3 point programme bringing the motto “I serve”.
Youth Red Cross: Indian Red Cross Society
Junior and Youth Red Cross programmes are an integral part of the strategic approach taken by the Indian Red Cross Society. They value the diverse and important roles that young people perform as innovators, inter-cultural ambassadors, peer educators, community mobilisers, and most importantly, agents of behavioural change and advocates for vulnerable people. When working alongside older generations in a spirit of mutual respect, young people bring much needed ideas and skills. The promotion of knowledge transfer and growth, combined with the personal guidance that older, more experienced volunteers of the Red Cross can offer, is seen as a key approach to developing tomorrow`s generation of leaders, today.
Junior and Youth Red Cross programmes help the Indian Red Cross Society to implement the Fundamental Principles of the Movement through:
- International Humanitarian Law
- The protection of health and life
- Community service
- Promotion of national and international friendship and understanding by using the international links of the Movement
Youth Red Cross: JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty
With the blessings of his holiness Swamiji, the Youth Red Cross a student wing of Indian Red Cross Society was inaugurated in JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty. As per the instruction of Directorate of College Education, Tamil Nadu Youth Red Cross was inaugurated in JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty on 11.02.2017. Dr. S.P. Dhanabal Principal, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty presided over the program. Mr. Morris Santa Cruz, District Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Nilgiris inaugurated the Youth Red Cross.
Mr. G. Ramu, Lecturer and Ms. Deepalakshmi M Lecturer are the present Program Officers YRC, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty.
Earlier orientation on Indian Red Cross society was given by Mr. Morris following that pledge was solemnised by students.
Mr. Basavanna Administrative Officer, Dr. Afzal Azam Vice Principal, Dr. S. Ponnusankar Professor and Head, Dept. of Pharmacy Practice, Mr. Dhamodharan Professor Dept. of Pharmacognosy of JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty and Mr. K. Saravana Chandar JRC Convener Nilgiris were present for the occasion.
Blood Donation camp was organized on this inauguration eve. Dr. P. Sankar IAS, Collector of Nilgiris and President IRCS Nilgiris presided over the camp. Mr Morris Santa Cruz District Secretary inaugurated the camp in the presence of Dr SP Dhanabal, Principal JSS College of Pharmacy in that 21 students and staff donated blood. Hon’ Collector encouraged and appreciated the efforts of JSS College of Pharmacy and the donors for this event. Principal thanked Dr Mohammad Nawaz and his medical team from Government Headquarters hospital Ooty for conducting this camp.