The Governor of Punjab, Haryana and Administrator UT Chandigarh, who is also President of State Red Cross Branch, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, while presiding over the meeting of the Managing Body of Indian Red Cross Society Punjab State Branch and Annual General Meeting, stressed upon expanding the role and sphere of selfless services of the Red Cross Movement. He said the best way to build a strong nation and healthy society is to imbibe spirit of love and brotherhood amongst children to achieve the targets of Red Cross.Prof. Solanki said District Red Cross Bodies should not completely depend upon Government alone but they should also persuade the people and generate more funds to achieve the objectives of the Red Cross.The Governor further said that the role of volunteers becomes all the more important and we should imbibe the spirit of volunteerism to serve the affected people more vigorously. He said volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross movement to provide humanitarian services to the vulnerable section of the community. He said our volunteers must pay special attention to eradicate social evils like drug addiction and female feticide and should make special efforts to focus on public health, vaccination campaign, and preparedness for pandemics, social welfare and first aid services.
He said “we have to change our mindset and attitudes to be sensitive to issue of societal concern and always to be prepared to help the poor and the needy”. He said Red Cross volunteers’ participation of the people and NGO’s, need to put in more committed efforts to achieve the goal and theme of this year, set by the Indian Red Cross Society.Adding more the Governor said what Red Cross is doing today for the welfare of poor and needy, Bhai Ghaniya has done much earlier in the battlefields of Anandpur Sahib by providing water to wounded soldiers of both the forces and by applying balm on their wounds without any discrimination of caste, creed and religion.Prof. Solanki also appreciated the efforts of the Punjab State Red Cross Society for launching awareness campaign against drug abuse, financial assistance and medicines to the needy patients.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal Chief Secretary Punjab suggested that uniformity of rules should be ensured in all the districts of Punjab. He also said that more and more people should come forward voluntarily to join the noble cause besides involving Divisional Commissioners in the general framework of the District Red Cross Societies. Mr. Kaushal also suggested that leased out or rented properties of the District Red Cross Society should have the provision of getting the property back. Later Mr. Solanki gave away the prizes/ awards to the Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents Police, NGOs, Educational Institutions and individuals for their valuable contributions besides motivating and helping people to actively and voluntarily join the Red Cross to serve the humanity.Earlier, Secretary of Indian Red Cross, Punjab State Branch Mr. C. S. Talwar gave a brief description regarding the activities of Red Cross in Punjab.Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Principal Secretary to Governor, Mr. M.P. Singh, Principal Secretary Health, Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Director Health Services Punjab Dr. H.S. Bali and Deputy Commissioners, Members and NGOs from various Districts.