Bhubaneswar: The youth are the future of our nation, and by choosing the path of selfless service, they contribute to building a progressive and inclusive society, Governor Odisha Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati has said.
Addressing the State-Level Youth Red Cross (YRC) and Junior Red Cross (JRC) Award Giving Ceremony at Raj Bhavan on Friday, he quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless words, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Dr. Kambhampati urged young volunteers to lead by example, inspiring others to follow the noble path of kindness and service.
The Governor commended the outstanding dedication of the volunteers, emphasizing their pivotal role in fostering compassion, leadership, and volunteerism among young people.
“Youth Red Cross and Junior Red Cross provide a vital platform for students to engage in social welfare activities, health awareness programs, disaster response, and voluntary service,” Dr. Kambhampati said, highlighting the significant impact their efforts have on creating a resilient and compassionate society.
Addressing the challenges of the modern world, such as natural disasters and health crises, the Governor called Red Cross volunteers “beacons of hope.” He further praised their tireless work, stating, “Their contributions not only save lives but also inspire countless others to become part of the movement for a better, more compassionate society.”
Dr. Kambhampati also celebrated the expansion and strength of Odisha’s Red Cross network, noting that Junior Red Cross units actively function in every school across the state, with over 10 lakh volunteers. Youth Red Cross units are present in more than 3,000 colleges, engaging around 100,000 active volunteers.
He credited these volunteers for Odisha’s national recognition in blood donation and fundraising efforts.
Encouraging even more students to join the Red Cross movement, the Governor stressed that involvement in such activities nurtures empathy, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
