Kohima, Nagaland State Chapter of the Indian Red Cross Society is set to celebrate World Red Cross Day on May 8 with a major public awareness event titled “March for Humanity”, in line with this year’s global theme, “United for Humanity”.
This day marks the 198th birth anniversary of Jean-Henri Dunant, the visionary founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the first Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
World Red Cross Day is celebrated around the world to honor Donant’s legacy and recognize the humanitarian services provided by Red Cross volunteers during conflicts, disasters and crises.
This year’s theme, “United for Humanity,” emphasizes solidarity in the face of increasing global challenges, including conflicts and attacks on humanitarian workers.
Speaking at a press conference, IRCSN officials, led by its Secretary General Akali Khamo, emphasized that the theme seeks to “reclaim the narrative in the face of inhumane trends,” reminding the community that both volunteers and beneficiaries are “human beings, not statistics.”
In a departure from the internal celebrations of previous years, the Nagaland State Chapter is organizing a Walk for Humanity to increase public visibility and participation.
The event will start at 7 am from the Red Cross Complex in Kohima, heading to Old NST, the main city area, said organizing committee convener Kyochano TCK. She said that at the culminating point, local MLA Dr Tsilehuto Rutso will share a motivational health talk on health as a medical professional.
The event was supported by multiple stakeholders, including the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, Nagaland Voluntary Blood Donation Society, Kohima Village Youth Organization, and health-focused NGOs such as Kripa Foundation and the Family Planning Association of India.
Organizers stressed that the march is more than just a symbolic event as it marks the beginning of a broader campaign to promote humanitarian awareness and volunteerism in Nagaland.
“The Red Cross has been serving Nagaland for over three decades, often as first responders during disasters. But humanitarian work cannot be done alone. We need a collective movement,” said Santo Thapa, joint secretary of IRCSN branch in Kohima.
The initiative also aims to recruit new volunteers and expand membership, and encourage citizens to officially join the Red Cross network and contribute to relief efforts, blood donation campaigns and emergency response, as confirmed by IRCSN Secretary General Khamu.
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