Every year on 8 May, World Red Cross Day is celebrated across the world with the aim of honouring all those people who help others without any greed – be it war or disaster, their mission is only humanity.
This day is celebrated on the birthday of Jean Henry Dunant, the founder of International Red Cross, who set an example of humanity by serving injured soldiers during the Battle of Solferino in 1859.
History of World Red Cross Day
Jean Henry Dunant dreamed of creating an organization that would help in a neutral way in times of emergency and war. With this vision, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was born in 1863. Today this organization is working in 190+ countries and has become one of the largest humanitarian movements in the world.
Red Cross ke Mool Siddhant (Core Principles)
The Red Cross movement is based on some strong principles:
- Humanity – humanity comes first.
- Impartiality – help without any distinction of caste, religion, colour or country.
- Neutrality – do not take any side, focus only on service.
These principles make this organisation unique. Even when everybody else backs down, Red Cross volunteers stand with the people.
Contribution of Red Cross on World Star
Through World Red Cross Day, we salute the efforts of those people who:
- Treat injured people in war zones
- Provide relief in disasters like floods, earthquakes
- Run blood donation and health awareness campaigns
- Help refugees and give them shelter
Today, the Red Cross is not just an organisation, it is a global network that supports people in every difficult time.
🇮🇳 Work of Red Cross in India
Indian Red Cross Society was established in 1920. Since then, this society is active during natural disasters, health crises and emergencies.
Some major works of Indian Red Cross:
- Blood donation drives
- First aid training workshops
- Disaster response teams
- Community health programs
- Distribution of oxygen support and PPE kits during COVID-19
Even today, trained volunteers of the Indian Red Cross are ready to help in every kind of emergency in every corner of the country.
Importance of World Red Cross Day
This day is not just an anniversary, but a tribute to those people who:
- Spend their time and energy helping people
- Don’t expect any reward or appreciation
- Think of others first in every crisis
On this day we remember those unsung heroes who give their lives for humanity. World Red Cross Day inspires us to help in some form or the other – big or small.
How can you connect with the Red Cross?
If you also want to be a part of this movement, then these are some simple ways:
- Become a volunteer – get trained through the local Red Cross society and join the service.
- Donate blood – your one blood donation can save someone’s life.
- Spread awareness – tell people about the work of the Red Cross.
- Help in fundraising – donations are necessary for relief work.
- Learn first aid – you too can help someone in an emergency.
Conclusion
World Red Cross Day is a reminder that humans are still alive in the world. When there is tension and fear all around, Red Cross volunteers become a symbol of hope and help.
Come, on this day let us take a pledge that whatever situation we face – we too will help others as humans, without any feeling of discrimination.
Because real humanity is that which does something for someone else without any motive.