International Volunteers Day observed

BHUBANESWAR: International Volunteers Day was observed here on Monday.  In an event organised by Bakul Foundation along with United Nations Volunteers, UNDP and Centre for Youth and Social Development, 300 volunteers participated. To mark the day, 10 individuals from various fields of life were honoured for their exemplary social work. Swabhiman founder Sruti Mohapatra, Prof Radhamohan, an environmentalist, and State Information Commissioner Jagadananda spoke on the occasion. Two street plays were also staged by Nasha Mukti Yuva Sankalp and Vishwas. Similarly, a rally was taken out by 600 volunteers of Youth and Junior Red Cross. At a function, it was decided that Youth Red Cross units will be opened in all colleges of the State by the next year. Later in the day, a sustained road safety awareness campaign was inaugurated. Youth Red Cross officer Sarita Sarkar said that in the wake of increasing number of accidents, every month this campaign will be carried out by the volunteers to spread awareness among youths on safe driving. A cleanliness drive will also be carried out by them in government hospitals in the city every month. Besides, the Junior Red Cross volunteers will carry out a ‘Clean n Green’ campaign in the Capital city. Secretary of Odisha Red Cross Society Mangala Prasad Mohanty said plans were in the pipeline to open more Club-18 units across the State to give boost to the voluntary blood donation.