Hoshiarpur:- Why is Red Cross Day Celebrated?
World Red Cross Day is celebrated every year on May 8th to commemorate the birthday of Jean Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Its origins trace back to 1863. Dunant laid the foundation for this impartial organization after witnessing the plight of wounded soldiers on the battlefield. This day is observed to honor the spirit of volunteers who serve humanity, encourage blood donation, and save lives—without any discrimination—during natural disasters or times of war.
The Red Cross Society of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Talwara, is playing a pivotal role in the empowerment of women. At the sewing and embroidery center run by the BBMB Red Cross Society, women are not only acquiring skills for self-reliance, but the childcare facility provided for young children is also proving to be a boon for working women.
Under the guidance of Chief Engineer Rakesh Gupta, the Society undertakes various social welfare activities from time to time—in addition to the aforementioned initiatives—and also organizes an annual Red Cross Fair.
Seema Gupta, the Society's Chairperson, explains that the BBMB Red Cross Society is operating the sewing and embroidery center in fulfillment of its social responsibility. Currently, 17 women are learning sewing and embroidery skills at the center. Expert instructors have been appointed to provide specialized training to them. Upon the successful completion of the one-year sewing and embroidery course, the BBMB Red Cross Society also issues a certificate. The admission fee for the course is 50 rupees, and the monthly fee is a nominal 100 rupees. By acquiring sewing and embroidery skills here, these women become equipped to start their own independent ventures.
Dimple, the Society's Secretary, adds that in addition to these activities, a 'Shishu Niketan' (Daycare Center) is also being operated, where young children aged 2 to 3 years are cared for during the day. This facility offers immense convenience to working women. They drop their children off here while heading to work. The admission fee for this facility is 50 rupees, while the monthly fee is 250 rupees for those with an income of up to 30,000 rupees, and 300 rupees for those earning more than 30,000 rupees.
Red Cross Manager Nardev Singh states that these initiatives by the organization are yielding positive results for society. He noted that caring for young children during the day poses a challenge for working women, but the Shishu Niketan assists them in this regard. He further informed that the children here are provided with mid-day meals, and medical check-ups are conducted twice a month by doctors from the BBMB Hospital.