Date:30/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/30/stories/2008033051020200.htm

Tamil Nadu

Call to Youth Red Cross

Staff Reporter

Render selfless service: police official

— Photo: R. Ashok

MOTIVATION: Superintendent of Police P. Moorthi addressing an orientation programme in Pudukottai on Friday.

PUDUKOTTAI: Hundred volunteers and programme officers of the Youth Red Cross Zone from 25 colleges affiliated to Bharathidasan University are undergoing an orientation programme on the Red Cross movement at H.H. The Rajah’s College here.

The three-day camp, sponsored by the Tamil Nadu branch of Indian Red Cross Society, which concludes on Sunday, aims at imparting special programmes on leadership qualities, first aid, disaster management and rescue operations, besides creating awareness on AIDS, blood donation and health and hygiene.

Inaugurating the programme on Friday, Superintendent of Police P. Moorthi advised the students to develop the tendency to render selfless service as part of acquiring leadership qualities and personality development. He urged them to strive for the development of regional and national progress.

Principal K. Narayanasamy said health, service and friendship were the three principles of the Youth Red Cross movement. He appreciated the interest showed by the students in enrolling themselves in the movement.

Local unit secretary and Youth Red Cross programme officer of the college S. Viswanathan explained the objectives of the programme.

G. Edwin, Medical Officer, Government Blood Bank, spoke on ‘Health and hygiene’ and advised the students to sensitise the masses to personal and preventive health programmes.

Resource persons K. Boominathan from Bishop Heber College, Tiruchi, Velaiyan from St. John’s Ambulance Society and T. Krishnaraj gave useful tips on leadership qualities, first aid and on AIDS awareness programme.