World Red Cross Day observed: Students lead the way in ‘keeping humanity alive’
On the occasion of World Red Cross Day, students from Government Senior Secondary School, Portmore and Sambhota Tibetan School, Chotta Shimla joined hands with members of the Hospital Welfare Section to take out a rally in Shimla, spreading awareness about the mission and values of the Red Cross.
This year’s theme, “Keeping humanity alive,” highlights the enduring importance of empathy, compassion and collective action in humanitarian work.
As part of the day’s observance, members of the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Society, the Red Cross Hospital Welfare Section, schoolchildren, Red Cross staff and volunteers presented the Red Cross flag to Dr Dhani Ram Shandil, Health Minister and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Managing Committee, at his residence in Shimla.
‘Chase dreams, not drugs’
To mark World Red Cross Day, the Youth Red Cross (YRC) of Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), in collaboration with the Debate, Drama and Literary Society (DDLS) and the District Red Cross Society, Shimla, staged a powerful skit titled “Chase dreams, not drugs.” The performance was a central feature of YRC’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse among youth.
The programme was inaugurated by Jyoti Rana, Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Shimla, who served as the chief guest. Drawing from her extensive experience in public administration, the ADM highlighted the disturbing rise in drug use among young people and stressed the urgent need for coordinated community action to combat this crisis. Representatives from the District Red Cross Society also attended, lending support to the event’s message of shared responsibility and prevention.
The skit, performed by student members of DDLS, depicted the psychological and physical toll of drug addiction through a college-based narrative. With a moving blend of realism and allegory, the performance illustrated the devastating impact of substance abuse — not only on the individual, but also on their families, academic paths and future dreams. The central message resonated deeply: choose aspirations over addiction.
The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Piyush Pandit, Student Adviser, Youth Red Cross Society. The event was coordinated by Dr Mrityunjay Kumar (Coordinator, DDLS) and Dr Rohit Sharma (Coordinator, YRC, HPNLU, Shimla).
Himachal Tribune