Chandigarh, 15 October:The Punjab Governor and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, presided over the 51st Annual General Meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society, Punjab State Branch, held at Punjab Raj Bhavan, Chandigarh.

In his address, Shri Kataria expressed happiness that the Red Cross continues to uphold the noble spirit of humanity, compassion, and selfless service, working tirelessly to alleviate human suffering without any discrimination. He congratulated all members and volunteers of the Red Cross movement for their dedication and humanitarian commitment.

The Governor recalled that the essence of selfless service has long been rooted in Punjab’s history, tracing back to Bhai Ghanaiya Ji, who served the wounded without distinction between friend or foe — nearly two centuries before the Red Cross was founded. He said this timeless example remains the guiding inspiration for Punjab’s humanitarian endeavors.

Appreciating the remarkable initiatives of the Punjab Red Cross, Shri Kataria lauded the introduction of transparent and efficient First Aid Training programmes, the provision of free medicines to poor patients at PGIMER and government hospitals, and the rehabilitation and awareness programmes addressing substance abuse.

Highlighting one of Punjab’s most critical challenges, the Governor remarked, “Punjab is deeply affected by the problem of drugs. Along with government efforts, society must also come forward to work collectively for a Nasha Mukt Punjab.” He praised the Red Cross branches for their campaigns against drug abuse and urged them to further intensify these initiatives across the state.

Referring to the recent floods in Punjab, Shri Kataria commended the swift response of Red Cross teams in providing over ₹1.5 crore worth of relief material to the affected areas. He also announced ₹51 lakh in assistance to support ongoing rehabilitation efforts through district branches.

During the programme, Shri Kataria felicitated district Red Cross branches, Deputy Commissioners, universities, colleges, polytechnic institutes, ITIs, schools, and social workers for their commendable contribution to Red Cross activities. He also honoured outstanding blood donors who have donated blood over 100 times, as well as institutions like REC Foundation and State Bank of India for their valuable CSR support towards humanitarian work.

The Governor emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and timely audits to further strengthen the Red Cross movement. He also encouraged schools and colleges to actively involve students in Youth and Junior Red Cross activities, nurturing a generation of sensitive, responsible, and compassionate citizens.

The Annual General Meeting was preceded by the Managing Body Meeting of Indian Red Cross Society, Punjab State Branch where deliberations were carried out and the Hon’ble Governor, Punjab gave a road map for strengthening the system of District Red Cross Branches.

Prominent among those present were Dr. Balbir Singh, Health Minister, Punjab , Sh. Vikas Pratap, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Security & Child Development, Punjab, Sh. V.P. Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor, Punjab, Sh. Kumar Amit, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Punjab , Sh. Ghanshyam Thori, Special Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Gauri Prashar Joshi, Secretary, General Administration who represented the Chief Secretary, Punjab, Mr. Vijay Jade, Secretary Finance, Punjab, Dr. Hitender Kaur , Director Health Services-cum-Vice Chairperson, Punjab Red Cross, Sh. Shivdular Singh Dhillon, IAS (retd) Secretary, Punjab Red Cross. Apart from this, Deputy Commissioners, Punjab and their representatives. Vice Chancellors of Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar and Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot.