Indian Red Cross Society is a voluntary humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, medical services, and education to rasise awareness regarding health related issues in India. It is the designated Indian affiliate of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Indian Red Cross Society was founded in 1920. It has its headquarters in Delhi.The Indian Red Cross is a voluntary humanitarian organization having a network of over 700 branches throughout India, and provides relief during disasters and emergencies as well as promotes the healthcare of vulnerable people and communities. Mission
The Mission of the Indian Red Cross is to inspire, encourage and initiate at all times all forms of humanitarian activities so that human suffering can be minimized and even prevented and thus contribute to creating more congenial climate for peace. Origin
During the first World War in 1917, 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 March 3, 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 March 17, 1920 and became Act XV of 1920 with the assent of the Governor General on the March 20, 1920. The Indian Red Cross's programmes are grouped into four main core areas: Promoting humanitarian principles and values; Disaster response; Disaster preparedness; and Health and Care in the Community.
