CHANDIGARH:  Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues,  Friday called upon the people to take a leadership role in the Red Cross Movement and give an example of care, concern and compassion to the world.

Presiding over the State Level World Red Cross Day, at the Law Auditorium of Panjab University, here today, General Rodrigues said that at the time of Independence, our country had numerous problems with meager resources and we had to depend on foreign countries to meet our food and other needs. It is a matter of great satisfaction that after 60 years of Independence, we are self-sufficient in every field and are respected. We have graduated from "receiving" to "giving" and have created solid foundation for building a bright future.       

We have to conduct a performance audit and take corrective measures after identifying shortcomings and inadequacies in our systems.  We have to work with true Indian spirit and moveahead with faith and confidence, to tackle the various problems facing the nation.       

Appreciating the theme of World Red Cross Day during the year 2008-09 "Working Together to Combat Climate Change", General Rodrigues said that this issue is a matter of serious concern for the whole world, as there have been a massive increase in natural disasters and calamities during the year 2007and climate change is causing cyclones and floods.  He expressed anguish over the recent Myanmar tragedy, in which a huge loss of life and property has been reported.       

Lauding the role of Punjab State Branch of the Red Cross for undertaking various activities for the eradication of social evils and promotion of blood donation movement through its volunteers, the Governor emphasized the need for bringing maximum committed people to the fold of this movement and said that no voluntary movement could be success unless and until it motivated the people to become part of it and contribute in a practical way by sparing their time, energy and effort.       

Speaking on the occasion Agriculture Minister, Punjab, Sucha Singh Langah, expressed his concern over the erosion in value system and increase in incidents of drug trafficking in Punjab from across the border.  He said that there is a need of generating awareness among the youth to desist from using drugs.  He also strongly pleaded for educating the children to respect family values and take care of their elders.        

Surg. Cmde, V.K. Puri, (Retd.) Secretary, Red Cross, while giving an account of the activities and achievements of the Punjab State Red Cross said that the organization had made all efforts for giving relief to the needy people with special focus on giving safe blood to the patients, an awareness campaign against drug abuse & narcotics, medical check up of students, youth training camps and financial assistance and medicines to the needy patients. Dr. S.P. S. Sohal, Director Health Services also spoke on the occasion.       

Rajan Kashyap, State Chief Information Commissioner,  M.P. Singh, Secretary to Governor and the senior officers from different departments were present on the occasion.