Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today inaugurated the Annual Red Cross Mela organized by Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Hospital Welfare Section at the historic Ridge Ground Shimla. On the occasion, the Governor said that the Red Cross itself means social service.
He added that it is an organization that has a sense of selfless giving and serving the suffering humanity. The Governor stated that everyone should come forward to strengthen the activities of the Red Cross and more and more people should be associated with it.
He appealed to the people to contribute generously to the Red Cross Fund so that more help could be extended to the needy. He said that the Red Cross is a symbol of service and help to humanity all over the world.
This organization has served innumerable poor and downtrodden by upholding the high values of humanity, the Governor added. He stated that the symbol of the Red Cross inspires human welfare and it was a ray of hope for poor and needy people.
He said that the Red Cross should focus on drug de-addiction, cleanliness, environment protection and Prime Minister T.B. Free India campaigns so that a healthy and better society could be established. Rajesh Sharma, General Secretary, State Red Cross, welcomed and honoured the Governor and Janki Shukla, Chairperson, Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Hospital Welfare Section.
Students of Government Senior Secondary Schools Portmore and Khalini presented a colourful cultural program on the occasion. The Governor conferred the first First prize to D.A.V. Public School New Shimla, second prize to Auckland House School Shimla and third prize to Government Girls College Shimla for the highest collection of funds from the Red Cross paper flag for the year 2022.
He also gave the first prize to Director General of Police, the second prize to Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department and the third prize to Principal Chief Conservator for the highest collection of funds from the Red Cross paper flag for the year 2022.
Honorary Member of State Red Cross Dr. Kimi Sud presented a vote of thanks. Mayor of Municipal Corporation Shimla Surendra Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Aditya Negi and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Governor inaugurated the exhibition set up at the historic Ridge Ground, visited various stalls and observed the activities.