World Red Cross Day: Gentle nod to entire volunteer’s help to people in need

New Delhi, May 7: Today is World Red Cross Day. It is observed to celebrate good work that the Red Cross Movement does around the world #WorldRedCrossDay observed to give a gentle nod to all the volunteers, who have made an unparalleled contribution to people in duress or need. The day is celebrated annually to reduce the suffering of people and enabling them to lead a dignified life.

The organisation took to its website and wrote, "On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day and throughout 2019, we will celebrate the strength and reach of our global network, and the contribution of our staff and 11.7 million active volunteers through the theme #Love."

The day is also the birthday of Henry Dunant, who had generated the Red Cross Committee of the International (ICRI) in 1863 in Switzerland, Geneva. He was born on May 8, 1828, and was also the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. 100 years ago today,  4 other Red Cross Societies to found the IFRC. With 191 National Societies and 13.7 million volunteers, it's now the world's largest humanitarian network. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian and development network, with millions of volunteers in 190 member National Societies.

The tradition of celebration of the World Red Cross Day on May 8th was this year observed by paying tribute to the volunteers for their unprecedented contribution to the people in need. The movement commended the volunteers for their selfless efforts. Since the inception of the Red Cross, voluntary action has been its quintessence. Volunteering serves as a means in helping society to bridge the gap between the crisis and crisis management.

History-

During the First World War relief services for affected soldiers in India was provided by a branch of the Joint War Committee, a collaboration between the St. John Ambulance Association and the British Red Cross. On 3 March 1920, a bill was introduced to the Indian Legislative Council by Sir Claude Hill (a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council who was also Chairman of the Joint War Committee in India) to constitute the Indian Red Cross Society, independent of the British Red Cross. The Bill was passed as the Indian Red Cross Society Act, 1920 on 17 March 1920, and became Parliament Act XV of 1920 with the assent of the Governor General on the 20 March 1920