Tag: Disaster Relief

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B.Sc. Nursing Students Gain Exposure at Indian Red Cross Society Goa

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

A group of 59 B.Sc. Nursing students, accompanied by two faculty members from the Nursing Institute, Bambolim, visited the State Headquarters of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Goa, in Panaji as part of an educational exposure programme.


The students were addressed by Gaurish Dhond, Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa, who highlighted the core values of the Red Cross movement. He encouraged the students, as future healthcare professionals, to uphold principles of selfless service, compassion and dedication to duty. Dhond also provided an overview of the wide-ranging humanitarian activities undertaken by the Society, including disaster response, blood services and community welfare initiatives across the state.

Earlier, the General Secretary of the Society, John Aguiar, welcomed the students and faculty members. The visit included documentary films and presentations that offered a comprehensive understanding of the Red Cross’s global mission as well as its local operations and emergency response efforts.

The exposure visit aimed to sensitize nursing students to the importance of voluntary humanitarian work and inspire them to actively engage in community-based healthcare and social service initiatives in the future.

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IRCS Goa Applauded by Governor for Compassionate Service

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju lauded the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) for its continued commitment to humanitarian service. Calling the organization a beacon of compassion, neutrality, and voluntary action, the Governor highlighted its vital role in bringing hope and healing to communities in crisis.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the IRCS held at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula, the Governor—who also serves as the President of the Goa State Branch of the IRCS—commended the Goa branch for upholding the legacy of the Red Cross movement. He noted the branch’s impactful work in areas such as disaster preparedness and relief operations, healthcare initiatives, and youth engagement programs.

“Your work has strengthened bonds of solidarity within society and is a testimony to the selfless service of volunteers, staff and well-wishers. I deeply appreciate the Goa branch for its outstanding contribution to the people of Goa,” said Governor Raju while addressing the gathering of IRCS members, volunteers, students, and office bearers.

The event also included the discussion of issues related to the functioning of IRCS branches in the state. Awards were presented to various branches for their exceptional contributions, and the IRCS Goa Administrative Report for 2024-25 was reviewed.

The Annual Report for the year 2024-25 was officially released during the event. Earlier in the program, Chairperson of IRCS Goa, Shri Gaurish Dhond, warmly welcomed the attendees and emphasized the organization’s mission to serve with compassion and dedication.

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Tata Sons Establish ‘AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust’ with ₹500 Crore Commitment for Victims and Relief Support

Tanisha Cardozo

Mumbai | July 19, 2025: Tata Sons today announced the formal registration of a new public charitable initiative – The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, in memory of the victims of the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 accident that occurred in Ahmedabad. The trust will provide compassionate relief and long-term support to the bereaved families, injured passengers, and even frontline workers and institutional caregivers impacted by the incident.

In a landmark philanthropic commitment, Tata Sons and Tata Trusts have jointly pledged a total of ₹500 crores — with ₹250 crores each — toward the trust’s objectives.

Key Components of the Trust:

  • ₹1 crore ex-gratia compensation for each deceased individual
  • Full medical treatment and rehabilitation for those who suffered serious injuries
  • Support for rebuilding infrastructure including the B.J. Medical College hostel, which was partially destroyed in the incident
  • Psychosocial support and welfare aid for first responders, healthcare staff, disaster management professionals, and social workers who were involved in post-crisis relief operations.

The trust will be governed by a five-member Board of Trustees, with Mr. S. Padmanabhan (former Tata veteran) and Mr. Sidharth Sharma (General Counsel, Tata Sons) already appointed. Additional trustees will be added in the coming weeks.

Operations will commence after registration with the tax and regulatory authorities is finalized. Tata Group reaffirmed that this trust is more than a monetary pledge — it is a long-term commitment to healing, rebuilding, and honoring lives lost and efforts made in the face of tragedy.

This move reflects the Tata Group’s legacy of responsibility and empathy during national crises, aligning deeply with its values of community care, resilience, and ethical leadership.

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California Wildfires: Altadena Community Left in Ruins

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The California city of Altadena has been left devastated by a violent wildfire that swept through the area, forcing over 100,000 evacuations and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses.

A Scene of Utter Devastation

The fire, which began on Tuesday, has ravaged swaths of the Los Angeles area, killing at least five people and leaving countless others without homes or livelihoods. In Altadena, the streets were filled with ash and buildings were reduced to smoldering ruins.

Personal Stories of Loss

For residents like William Gonzales, the loss is almost too much to bear. “This was our home,” he told AFP, pointing to the smoldering ruins of his family’s house. “We have lost practically everything. The flames have consumed all our dreams.”

Firefighters Overwhelmed

Firefighters have been battling the blaze for days, but the sheer scale of the fire has proven overwhelming. In Altadena alone, over 500 buildings have been destroyed, including many homes and businesses.

A Community in Crisis

As the people of Altadena struggle to come to terms with the devastation, the community is rallying around those affected. Local organizations and charities are providing support and aid to those in need.