The Indian Red cross society Nagaland state Branch in collaboration with Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority organised training for Community First Responder (CFR) at DC’s conference hall Kiphire on 23rd April 2025.
Special Guest of the event, Akhale V Khamo, General Secretary, IRCSN highlighted a brief history of how the Red Cross Society was started after Swiss businessman Henry Dunant saw the suffering of wounded soldiers in 1859. He suggested neutral groups to provide help during wars, leading to the Red Cross's founding in 1863 and rules to protect wounded soldiers.
Additionally, she informed that in India, the Red Cross Society was established by 1923, while in Nagaland in 1982. She asserted that the Red Cross Society is a non-profitable organisation who is willing and always concerned for the common good of humanity, with no partiality or discrimination or bad politics involved.
Khamo reminded the Red Cross belief in the motto "everything that we do comes from our heart for humanity ", and briefed that Red Cross extend aid in all possible ways during natural disaster incidents, besides they also are involved in blood donation service to help people who need the right blood during their medical treatment.
Khamo gave insight about 7 Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and said these principles guide the Red Cross's humanitarian work worldwide which are - Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality
She explained that the Red Cross aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and promote respect for all individuals. It fosters mutual understanding, friendship, and lasting peace among people. Assistance is also provided based solely on need, without discrimination due to nationality, race, religion, class, or political beliefs. Priority is given to the most urgent cases.
To maintain trust, she said the Red Cross remains neutral in conflicts and avoids taking sides in political, racial, religious, or ideological debates. The Red Cross operates autonomously, while collaborating with governments, to ensure adherence to its humanitarian principles.
Asserting that the movement is based on voluntary service, driven by compassion and a desire to help, without any profit motive, she said there is only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society per country, which must be open to all and carry out humanitarian work across its territory. She added that the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have equal status and share responsibilities in supporting each other globally, united under the same principles.
Khamo requested the district administration to allot an office for the District Red Cross, so as to act as a support system for the workers and to preserve and store medical aid or assistance for the needful citizens.
Live demonstration on CPR was also initiated for CFR, besides covering important topics on drug abuse and Disaster management.
Dr. R. Wapang, CMO Kiphire in his short speech shared about the lack of basic proper medical facilities in remote parts of the district specially under Pungro sub-division, and requested the Red Cross to also intervene in the much-needed issues of medical attention to the right authority for quick intervention.
ADC Kiphire, Longdiba encouraged participants to be well equipped with the right knowledge for medical assistance to counter any unfortunate needed situation, through this kind of educational program organised by Red Cross. He stressed on how society is lacking in contributing to our common welfare like a smaller number of blood donors in the district. He urged all volunteers and part takers to be a building block for our society.
Participants from school, Churches, GB's and goodwill citizens came forward to attain the program. The program was chaired by Lumtsingse L Sangtam, while the Welcome address was delivered by Mughaholi Anthony, MC Member IRCSN. Vote of thanks was proposed by Tsointhe Sangtam, Honorary Secretary IRCSN, Kiphire.
(Tsoinyu, IA Kiphire)