Bhopal, May 8 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel on Friday asked every Red Cross member in the state to induct at least five new volunteers, pitching an aggressive grassroots expansion to deepen the organisation’s rural reach.​

Speaking at the ‘Seva Samman Samaroh’ on World Red Cross Day, Patel said the movement must move “beyond auditoriums” and into villages where the need is greatest.​

“Service to humanity is service to God, but it cannot be limited to speeches. It has to show in our work among the poor, deprived and needy,” he said.​

The Governor directed members to visit remote and underserved areas, meet with residents, and understand problems firsthand.​

“Go to rural and far-flung areas, listen closely, and make sincere efforts to solve issues. That is how Red Cross credibility is built,” he said.​

Linking organisational growth to service delivery, Patel said each existing member must bring five new people into the Red Cross fold.​

He reiterated the seven core principles — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

He added that World Red Cross Day is not merely a one-day event but a reminder of the continuous flow of humanity, compassion and dedication.​

The Governor pushed for stronger ties between Red Cross units and government schemes.​

Calling the Jan Aushadhi Yojana a “major public welfare initiative”, he urged the state Red Cross Society to open more low-cost medicine centres in rural belts and engage local youth to spread awareness on affordable drugs.​

He said Red Cross teachings should not remain limited to words but must reflect in action, and asked members to help the poor and needy as per their strength and ability.​

The Governor also called upon members to make society more sensitive and to lead the next generation with dedication, asking them to serve the distressed with time, mind and resources.​

–IANS

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