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.
Origin of Indian Red Cross Society
During the first world war in 1914, India had no organization for relief services to the affected soldiers, except a branch of the St. John Ambulance Association and by a Joint Committee of the British Red Cross. Later, a branch of the same Committee was started to undertake the much needed relief services in collaboration with the St. John Ambulance Association in aid of the soldiers as well as civilian sufferers of the horrors of that great war. A bill to constitute the Indian Red Cross Society, Independent of the British Red Cross, was introduced in the Indian Legislative Council on 3rd March 1920 by Sir Claude Hill, member of the Viceroy's Executive Council who was also Chairman of the Joint war Committee in India . The Bill was passed on 17th March 1920 and became Act XV of 1920 with the assent of the Governor General on the 20th March 1920.
On 7th June 1920 , fifty members were formally nominated to constitute the Indian Red Cross Society and the first Managing Body was elected from among them with Sir Malcolm Hailey as Chairman.
Indian Red Cross Society is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Relations between the IRCS and the India Delegation of the Federation are strong.
Indian Red Cross Society has partnership with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, St.John Ambulance, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC ), Multinational firms. Individuals and others in supporting IRCS activities. It also coordinates with Indian Government and other agencies ( UNDP, WHO etc )
Red Cross Emblem
Red Cross on a white background, is the Emblem of Red Cross, recognized in 1864 as the distinctive sign for medical relief teams on the battle field.
In the Russo-Turkish war the Ottoman empire used a Red Crescent in place of the Red Cross. Egypt too opted for the Red Crescent while Persia chose a Red Lion on a white background. These symbols were written and accepted into the 1929 Geneva Conventions. The IRCS adopted RED CROSS as its 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.
During the General Assembly and the council of Delegates in November 2005 at Geneva, Red Crystal has been adopted as another emblem for the Red Cross Red Crescent movement.
Mission and Values
The IRCS works for the benefit of the humanity to save the world from any calamity and the benefit of the people .It elevates the human suffering and the blood donation along with developing generosity among people for the future.
Our Vision
To realise IRCS as a leading and distinctive humanitarian organisation that brings people and institutions together in aid of the vulnerable.
Our Mission
Protecting human life and dignity,relieving human suffering and responding to emergencies.
Our Work
As an independent humanitarian organisation,we raise our own funds to serve humanity and further the work of the Movement both locally and internationally. Our primary focus is to assist the vulnerable.
Our Core Values
Our values guide our staff and Red Cross Youth in the approach of our daily work. Our staff and Red Cross Youth seek to uphold these core values in all our work.
Compassion
Having a caring culture and a love for people in whatever we do, guided by the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
Passion
Giving our heart and soul selflessly in all that we do.
Professonalism
Achieving excellence in our service delivery with integrity and transparency.
Objective
Enhance the capacity of Indian Red Cross to deliver its humanitarian message both within and outside the society, and to advocate tolerance and coexistence in the communities.
Increase the capacity in disaster preparedness and disaster response in disaster prone zone and reduce the vulnerability of communities in key disaster prone areas.
Increase the Health care capacity in the district and State Head Quarters and improve the health of vulnerable people and communities.
A Lasting Legacy of Service
From delivering quality home care to responding swiftly in emergencies, the Red Cross Society continues to uplift lives across Kerala. Its commitment to first aid education, youth engagement, and elderly care reflects a deep-rooted dedication to building a healthier, safer, and more compassionate community.
Whether in times of calm or crisis, the Red Cross stands as a symbol of hope and humanity in Kerala.
Chairman's Messages
Dear Friends and Supporters of Humanitarian Action in Kerala,
Welcome to the digital presence of the Kerala State Red Cross. Inspired by the global Red Cross movement's enduring commitment to alleviating human suffering and building resilience, we stand dedicated to serving the unique needs of Kerala's communities.
Like our counterparts worldwide, our efforts in Kerala are driven by a profound respect for human dignity and a commitment to action in times of crisis and everyday vulnerability. We channel this dedication through vital initiatives such as:
* Bringing Care Home: Our Home Nurse Services embody our commitment to providing personalized and dignified care within the comfort of individuals' homes, supporting the well-being of the elderly and those in need of ongoing medical assistance.
* Responding When It Matters Most: In a state often facing natural calamities, our disaster preparedness and rapid response capabilities are crucial. We stand ready to provide essential aid and unwavering support to those affected, drawing strength from our experiences during events like the 2018 and 2019 floods.
* Empowering Our Communities: Through widespread First Aid training, we equip individuals with the skills to save lives and foster a culture of preparedness across Kerala.
* Cultivating Compassion in Future Leaders: Our Youth Red Cross and Junior Red Cross programs are instrumental in nurturing the values of humanitarianism and civic responsibility in the young people of Kerala.
* Upholding Dignity in Later Years: We are committed to supporting the well-being of our senior citizens in old age homes, providing care, comfort, and companionship.
The strength of the Kerala State Red Cross lies in the collective spirit of our volunteers, members, and the generous support of the people of Kerala. Your dedication enables us to extend our reach and amplify our impact, bringing hope and practical assistance to the most vulnerable within our state.
As you navigate this website, we invite you to explore the diverse ways in which the Red Cross is actively serving Kerala. Discover opportunities to contribute your time, skills, or resources and become an integral part of our mission to build a more resilient and compassionate Kerala for all.
Thank you for joining us in this vital humanitarian endeavor.
Yours in service,
Adv. K Radhakrishnan
Chairman, Kerala State Red Cross
Vice Chairman's Messages
“Lead Kindly Light, amidst the encircling gloom”
Six decades passed since our origin, witnessed unprecedented turmoil, continuously challenged by natural and man-made disasters but Kottayam Red Cross never succumbed to any unstructured environment or drained resources, rather we summoned all vulnerabilities and turned it into sustainable long term solution. Looking back, we had visionary leaders, their dedication and commitments still inspire us to reach new heights. Big salute to our volunteers and life members relentlessly offering their life saving efforts and services in all grim situations like Pandemic, flood and landslide. We sincerely thanks donors and government authorities who stood with us in all difficult situation. With our combined effort, I hope Kottayam district will withstand all adversities of climate change that threaten the progress of our population. Assuring, Kottayam Red Cross will continue to remain in the forefront of all humanitarian voluntary activities around Kottayam.
Mr. Joby Thomas
IRCS, Kerala State branch Vice Chairman & Kottayam Dist Branch Chairman..
Adv. K Radhakrishnan
Chairman
Joby Thomas
Vice Chairman
G Mohankumar
Treasurer
S Ajayakumar
General Secretary*IRCS District Branches (Chairman & General Secretary)*
| Thiruvananthapuram Chairman - Mr. C Bhaskaran General Secretary - Mr. M R Manoj |
Kollam Chairman : Dr. Mathew John General Secretary: Mr. Ajayakumar |
Pathanamthitta Chairman: Mrs. Valsamma Sukumaran |
| Alappuzha Chairman: Dr. Manikumar |
Kottayam Chairman: Mr. Joby Thomas General Secretary: Ms. Jameema T Joy |
Idukki General Secretary: Mr. Arjunan M D |
| Thrissur Chairman: Adv. M S Anilkumar |
Malappuram Chairman: Mr. G Mohankumar General Secretary: Mr. P Vasu |
Wayanad Chairman: Mr. Baby T Pothen General Secretary: Mr. M T Philip |
| Kozhikode Chairman: Mr. Madenchery Sathyanathan General Secretary: Deepu K |
Kannur Chairman: Mr.K G Babu General Secretary: Mr.T K Sreedharan |
Fundamental Principles
Humanity
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the read less wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, 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, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
Impartiality
It makes no discrimination as to nationally, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the read less suffering of individuals, being solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
Neutrality
In order to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a read less political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
Independence
The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and read less subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy 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 gain.
Unity
There can be only one Red Cross Or Red Crescent in any one country. It must be read less open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.