Reflecting on the legacy of Henry Dunant and the vital role of humanitarian organisations in alleviating human suffering, with a focus on the global impact and local initiatives in India and conflict-affected regions like Jammu and Kashmir

Every year on May 8, we celebrate a very special day known as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. This day honours the birthday of Henry Dunant, the remarkable man who founded the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Born in 1828, Dunant was deeply moved by the suffering he witnessed during the Battle of Solferino in 1859. He saw soldiers in agony and felt compelled to help, an idea that grew into what we now know as the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement—an international beacon of hope and aid during times of disaster and conflict.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global network dedicated to helping people in need, regardless of their situation. It provides assistance during disasters like earthquakes and floods, health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other emergencies. It operates worldwide, driven by values of neutrality (not taking sides), impartiality (helping without bias), and humanitarian action (acting out of a desire to help). On World Red Cross Day, people come together to highlight the incredible work of volunteers and staff who make a difference every day.
This year, the theme is: “I give with joy, and the joy I give is a reward.” It’s all about celebrating the happiness that comes from helping others. Whether it’s giving time, money, or support, the joy we feel in giving is a beautiful reward in itself. Activities on this day vary widely, including workshops on first aid, sessions to prepare for major storms or other disasters, drives to collect blood for hospitals, and events to educate people about significant issues like climate change or serious health threats.
World Red Cross Day isn’t just another date on the calendar; it’s a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the collective power we wield when we work together toward common humanitarian goals. It is not just a celebration but also a call to action. It’s a day to reflect on our shared humanity and the power of collaboration. Red Cross and Red Crescent societies encourage everyone to contribute, whether by donating blood, volunteering your time, or providing financial support. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, with its presence in nearly every country, is the largest humanitarian network in the world. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity, especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies.
Across the globe, from typhoon-hit villages in the Philippines to the war-torn streets of Syria, Red Cross volunteers make profound contributions that change lives. In the Philippines, volunteers have been instrumental in setting up temporary shelters for disaster-affected populations and educating them on handling injuries and preventing disease until further help can arrive. In Syria, despite the constant threat to their own lives, Red Cross volunteers continue to bring essential medical aid and comfort to civilians enduring the hardships of war.
In India, the Red Cross plays a critical role in both disaster management and in enhancing the capacity of communities to respond to crises. The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), established in 1920 under the Indian Red Cross Society Act and incorporated under Parliament Act XV of 1920, has been an active participant in the global Red Cross network, engaging in relief operations and development programs. India is vulnerable to several types of natural disasters due to its unique geographical position. Whether it’s the floods that often inundate Assam and other parts of Eastern India, the cyclones that affect coastal regions, or the earthquakes that shake the northern territories, the IRCS has been pivotal in conducting rescue and relief operations. For example, during the Kerala floods in 2018, the IRCS played a significant role by providing timely assistance and rehabilitation to flood victims, including distributing relief materials, setting up medical camps, and aiding in the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
In the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the situation presents unique challenges due to both climatic and geopolitical factors. The region is prone to natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, while also contending with complex social and security dynamics due to the ongoing conflict. The IRCS has been particularly active in Jammu and Kashmir, offering a range of services from disaster response to health and care activities. Following the devastating floods in Kashmir in 2014, the Red Cross was one of the first organizations to provide aid, reaching thousands of victims with food, water, and essential medicine. Moreover, the IRCS has been involved in supporting the healthcare infrastructure by providing ambulances and medical equipment to remote areas and organizing blood donation camps and health awareness campaigns that address local needs and conditions.
The youth are an integral part of the Red Cross movement. In India, the Youth Red Cross (YRC) functions as an important wing of the IRCS. The YRC focuses on inculcating principles of selflessness and volunteerism among the youth. They engage in a multitude of activities, including organizing blood donation camps, first aid training sessions, health and hygiene campaigns, disaster management training, and promotion of humanitarian principles. The involvement of youth is crucial for building resilient communities, as they bring energy, innovation, and a unique perspective to the table. By empowering young volunteers, the Red Cross ensures that the spirit of humanitarianism will continue to flourish in future generations.
World Red Cross Day serves as a crucial reminder that while one day can be dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging the work of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, the need for action and support exists year-round. Each one of us holds the potential to make significant contributions, be it through donating blood, providing financial support, or dedicating our time as volunteers. The stories from India, the Philippines, Syria, and specifically from regions like Jammu and Kashmir, underscore the diverse challenges and the versatility of Red Cross interventions. They serve as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to alleviating human suffering.
As we observe World Red Cross Day, let us renew our commitment to humanitarian causes and reflect on how we can contribute to making the world a better place. Whether it’s through volunteering, educating ourselves and others about health and safety, or simply by being more conscious of the challenges faced by humanity, every small effort counts. The Red Cross and Red Crescent movements urge everyone to get involved, highlighting that in unity there is strength. Today, as we stand together, let’s pledge to continue our support and actively participate in the noble mission that the Red Cross embodies. Every contribution leads us one step closer to a more compassionate and caring world.
On World Red Cross Day, we also remember the incredible legacy of Henry Dunant, the founder of this movement and the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. His life reminds us that we can always do something to help, no matter our circumstances. In a world where the news often focuses on the bad, this day is a vital reminder of the good—the power of human kindness and the difference each of us can make.
Let’s be inspired by the volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Let’s support their mission to reduce suffering and uphold human dignity. As Henry Dunant said, “One can always, in any situation, do something.” This World Red Cross Day, let that “something” be an act of kindness, a donation, or a step toward volunteering. Together, we can ensure that no one has to face tough times alone. Let’s keep supporting each other and work together for a kinder, more resilient world. Happy World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day!
The writer is an Assistant Professor, at the Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University Mohali 140413, Punjab with a passion for promoting global health and well-being. He can be reached at [email protected]

Aashaq Hussain Bhat