In a proactive move to empower Odisha’s youth for humanitarian service, the Youth Red Cross State Executive Committee convened its meeting today at Red Cross Bhawan in Bhubaneswar under the auspices of the Higher Education Department.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj chaired the high-level meeting, which reviewed the performance of Youth Red Cross units functioning in universities and colleges across the state. The Minister laid strong emphasis on ensuring these units operate smoothly and effectively while building the skills and capacities of student volunteers.
Highlighting the transformative role of youth in community service, Minister Suraj directed officials to expand Red Cross units in higher education institutions, boost volunteer participation, and organise large-scale blood donation camps. He also stressed the need for Red Cross-led campaigns on drug-free campuses, cleanliness drives, road safety awareness, fire safety preparedness, and environmental protection to sensitise thousands of students.
The meeting further discussed proposals to institute state-level Red Cross awards and identify the best Red Cross volunteers at the district level for felicitation, aiming to motivate and recognise dedicated youth contributors.
The session witnessed the participation of Higher Education Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Arvind Agrawal, Director Kali Prasanna Mahapatra, Indian Red Cross Society Odisha State Branch Secretary Ganesh Chandra Patra, Deputy Secretary Ramesh Chandra Behera, and all members of the Youth Red Cross State Executive Committee.
