INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY:
THROUGH HUMANITY TO PEACE
HENRY DUNANT (1828-1910)
He was born on 8th may 1828
The man whose vision led to the
creation of the worldwide Red Cross
and Red Crescent movement. He
went from riches to rags but became
joint recipient of the first Nobel
Peace Prize.
History of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement -:
Young Swiss businessman, Jean Henry Dunant was appalled by the
condition of the wounded soldiers he happened to see in the
battle field of Solferino , Italy in 1859 during the Franco - Austrian
war. He arranged relief services with the help of the local
community immediately. He wrote the book 'Memory of
Solferino' suggesting that a neutral organization be established to
aid the wounded soldiers in times of war. Just a year after the
release of this book, an international conference was convened in
Geneva to consider the suggestions of Henry Dunant and thus the
Red Cross Movement was born. International Red Cross
Movement was established by Geneva Convention of 1864. The
name and the emblem of the movement are derived from the
reversal of the Swiss national flag, to honor the country in which
Red Cross was found
Who We Are :
The Indian Red Cross is a voluntary
humanitarian organization having a network of over 700
branches throughout the country, providing relief in times of
disasters/emergencies and promotes health & care of the
vulnerable people and communities. It is a leading member of
the largest independent humanitarian organization in the world,
the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement.
The Mission of the Indian Red Cross is to inspire, encourage and
initiate at all times all forms of humanitarian activities so that
human suffering can be minimized and even prevented and thus
contribute to creating more congenial climate for peace.
Red Cross Emblem-:
The National Society make use of the emblem as an indicative device
in peacetime and during armed conflicts within the limits stipulated in
national legislation, the regulations and its statutes only for activities
consistent with the principles set out by International Federation of
the Red Cross and Red Crescent
THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
 Humanity
 Impartiality
 Neutrality
 Independence
 Voluntary Service
 Unity
 Universality
Humanity-:
The international Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without
discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield,
endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to
prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may
be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to
ensure respect for the human being. It promotes
mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and
lasting peace amongst all peoples.
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race,
religious, beliefs, class or political options. It
endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals,
being solely by their needs and to give priority
to the most urgent cases of distress.
In order to enjoy the confidence of all the
Movement may not take sides in hostilities or
engage in controversies of a political, racial,
religious or ideological nature.
Independence-:
The Movement is independent. The
National Societies, while auxiliaries in the
laws of their Governments and subject to
the laws of their respective countries, must
always maintain their authority so that they
may be able at all times to act in accordance
with the principles of the Movement.
Voluntary Service-:
It is voluntary relief movement not
prompted in any manner by desire
for again.
There can be only one Red Cross or
Red Crescent in any one country. It
must be open to all. It must carry on
its humanitarian work throughout
its territory.
The International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement, in which all
societies have equal responsibilities
and duties in helping each other, is
worldwide.
Volunteer-:
Volunteering has been at the very heart of the Red
Cross since its inception in 1920.Volunteers are the backbone of
all Indian Red Cross activities, helping branches to run
successful programmes and assisting millions of vulnerable
people in need. IRCS reward and recognize volunteers whenever
possible and appropriate and provides appropriate personal
development opportunities.
IRCS recruits volunteers irrespective of their race, ethnicity, sex,
religious belief, age, and disability or membership. All
volunteers are entitled to choose to become a Member of Indian
Red Cross Society, can have appropriate training or personnel
development to be able to undertake their agreed tasks or role;
and accept or refuse any task or role in accordance of a code of
ethic or fundamentals of a voluntary service.
Junior Red Cross-:
Children and adolescent also represent a substantial
part of the membership of Red Cross for its
humanitarian commitment. Young volunteers can
make a significant contribution to meeting the needs
of the most vulnerable people within their local
communities through Red Cross programme. This has
been designed to involve young people as much as
possible in the movement and its activities not only
as workers but also as beneficiaries, and as partners
in management.
Programmes and Activities :
The Indian Red Cross's programmes are grouped into four main
core areas: Promoting humanitarian principles and values; Disaster
response; Disaster preparedness; and Health and Care in the
Community.
Red Cross promotes the Humanitarian values, which encourage
respect for other human beings and a willingness to work together
to find solutions to problems. From the seven fundamental
principles, the movement aims to influence the behavior of all the
people.
Disaster response continues to represent the largest portion of IRCS
work, with assistance to millions of people annually ranging from
refugees to victims of natural disasters.
Other Major activities includes-:
hospital services, blood bank, HIV/AIDS
programmes, home for disabled servicemen
,vocational training centers, tracing activities,
maternity , child and family welfare, nursing, junior
red cross activities, preparedness and prevention of
communicable & infectious diseases, relief
operations in fire, railway & other accidents and
events .