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Our Reporter/ Correspondent
Kohima, May 8 (EMN): Nagaland observed the ‘World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day’ on May 8 on the theme “Keep clapping for the volunteers.” It also marked the 100 years of service of the Indian Red Cross Society.
In Kohima, the Kohima branch of the Indian Red Cross Society, in collaboration with IRCS Nagaland state branch, observed the day at old MLA hostel junction.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of IRCS Kohima branch, Thejawelie Gregory, called upon the members of the Red Cross Society to render their best service during this difficult time. Stating that there are many things to do, he urged the members to help others in their own ways during this crisis.
He appreciated the members for distributing of facemask and pamphlets and also sensitising the people about the hand wash, wearing mask and other practices. Stating that Nagaland unit of the Indian Red Cross Society had conducted one-day training to some volunteers by preparing them to tackle any situation, he encouraged all them serve the people with cheer during this crisis.
General secretary of IRCS Nagaland branch, Neiphi Kire, remarked that Covid-19 has taken the world by storm with more than 57000 cases and almost 2000 mortality even in India. He informed that IRCSN would be distributing pamphlets to create awareness among the public.
The pamphlets mentioned about how the disease is manifesting itself, what are the symptoms, do’s and don’ts. He felt it important for everyone to know about the disease as even the developed or developing countries, with the latest technology, are not able to control it.
“We come back to a basic strategy of combating this pandemic with simple behavioural changes and improving the societal norms and discipline ourselves by maintaining social distancing, using mask, hand sanitisers, or practicing hand washing,” he said adding “those are very simple things we have to educate our people to practice in our daily lives.”
Observing that Nagas always wanted to do things in hurry, he has propounded many changes in the way of living post the lockdown. He further insisted on maintaining social distancing to prevent and be safe.
Kire also informed that volunteers would be distributing pamphlets and masks at PHQ, PR hill, High School junction, Old MLA junction and also carryout other activities like sensitising the people to maintain social distance and hand washing. He further appealed to the public to continue ‘clapping’ and encourage the volunteers till coronavirus is defeated in the community, state, and the world.
Dimapur unit of the Indian Red Cross Society also celebrated the World Red Cross Day at Holy Cross School auditorium with its chairperson Chandu Agarwal as the chief guest and the vice president of Naga Council Dimapur, Ghokuto Chophi as the guest of honour.
A press release from the unit stated that both Agarwal and Chophi have appreciated the selfless services of the volunteers in the fight to contain the spread of Covid-19.
To mark the occasion, everybody present in the programme clapped for volunteers as a mark of respect.
It mentioned that more than 500 volunteers of Dimapur Red Cross from all denominations and communities are actively assisting the district administration and medical personnel for the past 45 days in maintaining social distancing at fair price shops, medical and grocery shops, ration distributions, community kitchens, ATMs and malls besides conducting thermal screenings and distributing food packets to the needy.
Dimapur unit of the Red Cross Society has already issued more than 500 red cross jerseys, 2000 hand gloves, 1500 sanitisers, 3000 masks, 50 raincoats, 30 umbrellas etc. to its volunteers.
Longleng unit of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) too observed the World Red Cross day in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner's office on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion as the special guest, DC and chairman of IRCS Longleng, M Shayung Phom appealed to the members to actively respond to the global pandemic Covid-19 disaster through their voluntary and humanity service with impartiality and neutrality. He also urged them to extend prayer support to the patients and families battling with Covid-19 across the world for their speedy recovery.
The DC acknowledged the district administration, police, medical department and other government agencies along with the churches and civil societies, who have been working round the clock and left no stone unturned to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Informing that the police, village guards and DBs deployed at Dikhu river have been constantly screening the stranded students, patients and other people coming back from other districts to Longleng, he appealed to the public not to discriminate them.
Secretary of the IRCS Longleng, Y B Angam Phom, had highlighted on the activities undertaken by the unit in the district.
After the programme, the members visit the district hospital Longleng and served refreshment to the hospital staff, patients and distributed cash relief to the patients. They also provided refreshment to the police on duty in the street.