Kohima: Marking World Red Cross Day, Nagaland Governor La Ganesan on Thursday called for renewed commitment to compassion, humanitarian service, and community solidarity, stressing that the values embodied by Red Cross volunteers continue to serve as a beacon of hope in times of crisis.
Speaking at a state-level event themed “On the Side of Humanity”, Governor Ganesan—who also serves as the President of the Indian Red Cross Society’s Nagaland Branch—commended the tireless efforts of Red Cross volunteers, particularly during natural disasters and in remote, difficult-to-reach areas of the state.
“Your selfless sacrifices and unwavering service in times of crisis reflect the very soul of humanity,” he said.
Ganesan highlighted this year’s international theme, which centres on the universal human values of Hope, Empathy, and Kindness.
“Hope lights our path through adversity, empathy connects us to one another’s struggles, and kindness is a language understood even in silence,” he reflected.
Addressing a gathering of volunteers, youth, and civic leaders, the governor made a heartfelt appeal to citizens—especially young people—to embrace service and compassion in their daily lives.
He stressed that the urgent challenges of today, including climate change, public health threats, and social inequality, require not only policy and leadership but also collective moral resolve and the active involvement of youth.
“Young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; you are the changemakers of today,” he said, encouraging families and schools to cultivate empathy and kindness from an early age.
“A society built on compassion is not an abstract ideal—it is a reality we can create through conscious, everyday acts of love,” Ganesan added.
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He concluded his address by paying tribute to Red Cross founder Jean Henry Dunant, reminding attendees of the profound legacy of humanitarianism: “We are neither angels nor saints, but human beings doing what we can, for as long as we can.”
World Red Cross Day, observed every year on May 8, commemorates the birth of Dunant and the founding of the Red Cross movement.
Originally called International Red Cross Day in 1948, the occasion was officially renamed World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in 1984, reflecting its global scope and inclusive mission.
