Latest news with #IndianRedCrossSociety
Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Dr Cyrus Poonawalla flags concern about limited donor support for hearing-impaired children, rape survivors
Serum Institute of India (SII) Chairman Dr Cyrus S Poonawalla Monday made a strong case for supporting hearing-impaired and underprivileged children, and survivors of sexual violence. 'These causes often receive limited donor support, particularly those involving the hearing-impaired and rape survivors,' he said during the inauguration of the new building of the Indian Red Cross Society's Dr Cyrus Poonawalla School for Hearing Impaired at Lullanagar in Pune. Set up in 1976, Dr Cyrus S Poonawalla School for Hearing Impaired Monday relocated to a spacious new campus that includes state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern amenities. The Villoo Poonawalla Foundation has been supporting the school since it was set up. According to the school authorities, a grant of approximately Rs 4 crore was given for the new building and other facilities. 'Providing better healthcare and support to children with special needs is a cause very close to my heart. I feel deeply gratified to inaugurate the new school that is dedicated to children with hearing impairments. This is in keeping with our philosophy at SII to effectively utilise our resources to provide the best preventive solutions to the population, including children. This new building, encompassing advanced infrastructure and modern facilities for the hearing-impaired children, is a step towards the same direction,' Dr Cyrus S Poonawalla said, assuring annual donations to ensure students have a better learning environment. He also spoke about championing the cause of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA). 'We are endorsing the IDCA. They have some remarkable achievements and won laurels at various competitions in Dubai, Australia, England, and others,' he added. The newly inaugurated school, spread across 30,000 sq ft is equipped with high-end technologies and designed in a manner to meet the unique needs of children with hearing impairments, offering a wide array of enhanced services and specialised support. The school operates under the leadership of Dr Vikram Phatak, Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society, Pune, with Mabrin Nanavati serving as vice chairman, and Prof R V Kulkarni as secretary. The school is headed by Chairperson Dr Aparna Morris, with Mrunal Sarade as the principal. Dr Morris told The Indian Express that the school is committed to reaching the most underserved sections of society. 'Biannual outreach surveys are conducted in and around Pune, especially targeting children from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Once a child with hearing impairment is identified, the school initiates detailed counselling for the parents, encouraging them to enrol their child into an inclusive and nurturing learning environment,' Dr Morris added. Teachers are specially trained to work with hearing-impaired students, and they employ interactive boards, sign language, and structured speech therapy sessions. 'These approaches help children who cannot hear learn to identify sounds and gradually develop spoken language,' Dr Morris said. Students are trained in crafts, drawing, and sculpture using materials like plasticine, and innovative techniques such as vibration belts are used to teach classical dance forms like Kathak, helping students feel the rhythm they cannot hear. According to the authorities, the school also plans to expand its curriculum to include vocational training, aiming to equip students with practical skills that will empower them to become financially independent and self-sufficient. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Deccan Herald
4 days ago
- Health
- Deccan Herald
Indian Red Cross Society should broaden its scope of services: Governor Gehlot
Mangaluru: Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has urged the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) to broaden its scope of services and adopt digital platforms to keep pace with the modern digital inaugurating the centenary building of the IRCS Dakshina Kannada unit in Mangaluru, the Governor suggested the trust should extend its efforts beyond traditional relief work. He also emphasised the need to involve more young people through Youth Red Cross and Junior Red Cross described the Red Cross as a symbol of humanity and selfless service. 'The Red Cross Society has upheld these ideals for decades. It stands as a force during times of illness and crisis. Its history is one of compassion, service, and courageous duty. The only religion the Red Cross follows is humanity — working for the welfare and happiness of all,' he Governor noted that the scope of IRCS services has widened with growing urbanisation and rising health challenges. He shared that the trust has expanded from villages to cities in offering medical care, emergency services, and promoting blood donation. Notably, as an international organisation, it has a presence in over 190 mobile blood collection bus arrives at his address, he also highlighted that the Karnataka unit of the IRCS has received national awards twice and has been actively involved in community health initiatives and awareness campaigns. He expressed hope that the new centenary building would serve as a hub for public welfare the Karnataka Assembly Speaker, UT Khader, praised the Dakshina Kannada unit of the IRCS for its seven decades of dedicated service in the district. He said the IRCS is not only about blood donation but also about instilling humanitarian values in students. 'Youth should be encouraged to donate blood — it is the greatest gift one can give, and there is no substitute for human blood,' he Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta noted that organisations like the Red Cross help bridge the gap that when the government cannot reach everyone directly. 'I will extend my full support to the IRCS and also use it as a medium to spread awareness about government schemes among the public,' he said.A digital souvenir titled 'Samarpana' was released on the Karnataka Vice President Bhaskar Rao, IRCS Dakshina Kannada President Dr. Shantharam Shetty, and Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyasa Kamath were present at the centenary building inauguration event..
Hans India
5 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
CM Bhupendra Patel flags off mobile medical vans for Gujarat's tribal districts
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday flagged off a fleet of mobile medical vans dedicated to delivering doorstep healthcare services in the tribal districts of the state. The mobile medical units will operate in remote districts including Dang, Dahod, Sabarkantha, and Aravalli, aiming to strengthen last-mile healthcare access in underserved tribal areas. Each mobile van is equipped with GPRS-enabled systems and staffed with a trained team comprising a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and driver. These vans will offer routine medical check-ups, free distribution of medicines, and basic treatment to more than 100 patients per day, with a monthly outreach target of over 10,000 individuals. In addition to providing direct healthcare, the initiative will focus on community health awareness. Under the initiative, Information campaigns on cervical cancer, breast cancer, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease prevention will be conducted in villages and hamlets. Speaking on the occasion, officials emphasised that the programme aligns with the state's broader vision of inclusive health outreach, especially for tribal and interior regions. The mobile medical vans represent a significant step in bridging the urban-rural healthcare divide. The initiative has been launched under a joint effort by the Indian Red Cross Society, Gujarat State Branch, and REC Foundation, Delhi, as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. The year 2025 marks the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, a legendary figure in India's struggle against British colonial rule and the exploitation of tribal communities. Revered as a symbol of indigenous pride and resistance, Birsa Munda led a powerful movement in the late 19th century to protect tribal land rights and cultural identity in present-day Jharkhand and surrounding regions. On the occasion, various initiatives are being launched across the country, ranging from healthcare outreach in tribal areas to educational and cultural programmes, aimed at celebrating his legacy and empowering the communities he fought for.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Guv launches Red Cross activities in Aizawl college
1 2 Aizawl: In a push for humanitarian outreach and youth involvement, Mizoram governor Gen VK Singh, who also serves as the president of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Mizoram State Branch, inaugurated Red Cross Society activities at Govt Aizawl North College (GANC) on Thursday, reports HC Vanlalruata. Addressing students and faculty, the governor praised Mizoram's strong tradition of community spirit and volunteerism. "The Mizo way of life embodies kindness, selfless service, and unity — values that align seamlessly with the mission of the Red Cross," he said. Highlighting the role of structured humanitarian organisations, he noted the unique value of the Indian Red Cross Society even within close-knit societies.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Guv to inaugurate new 20,000 sqft Red Cross Society bldg
Mangaluru: Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot will inaugurate the new centenary building of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Dakshina Kannada unit at the old DC office premises, here on July 26. IRCS district president Shantharam Shetty told reporters here on Tuesday that the new 20,000 sqft building, built at a cost of Rs six crore, comprises a basement, ground floor, and two upper floors. The ground floor has an office, visitor's lounge, and a meeting hall, an AC conference hall with a capacity of 300 seats, has been set up on the first floor. A conference hall with a sea view has been set up on the second floor with a seating capacity of 500 people, he said. "Though the foundation stone for the centenary building was laid on 26 cents of land in 2021, the work could not be expedited due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors. The building was completed utilising the CSR funds, contributions from donors, and support from the state govt," said Shetty. The Red Cross office, which operated from a small room in the DC's office, was allocated a dedicated office space in 2007. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Later, the IRCS unit built its own facility in 2011. With the services of the IRCS expanded, the district unit planned to have a larger facility and implemented the centenary building project. "With a 70-year history, the Dakshina Kannada branch of IRCS has been promoting humanitarian values. The IRCS blood bank functioning inside the Government Lady Goschen Hospital has been providing free blood to pregnant women and other patients at the hospital. Patients at Wenlock District Hospital have been given blood at a 50% concession. On average, 500 units of blood are distributed free of cost each month," he said. The DK unit of IRCS has plans to supply free blood to BPL patients being treated at private hospitals. Shetty said there is a need to create a dedicated fund for the project. Efforts in this regard will continue after the new building is made fully operational, he said. The unit also plans to establish an eye bank or a dialysis unit with support from CSR funds and other grants. A disaster management unit will be set up on the ground floor, to train volunteers and stock materials required for rescue operations. The conference halls will be given for programmes organised by NGOs and other organisations on days when there are no IRCS activities, he added. Shetty announced that a mobile application is being developed by a private company for the IRCS Dakshina Kannada unit. The app will be launched during the inauguration.
