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Rani Channamma University, Belagavi
Youth Red Cross (YRC) is the youth wing of the Indian Red Cross Society, dedicated to inspiring and empowering young people to uphold the humanitarian principles of the Red Cross Movement. It is primarily active in colleges and universities, involving students.
YRC aims to develop the spirit of voluntary service, health awareness, and social responsibility among youth, encouraging them to contribute actively to the well-being of their communities. Guided by the Seven Fundamental Principles of Red Cross — Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality — YRC provides opportunities for young volunteers to participate in service-oriented activities, community development programs, and disaster response initiatives.
Through training camps, health campaigns, blood donation drives, environmental projects, and awareness programs, YRC members cultivate leadership skills, compassion, and a commitment to serve without discrimination. The movement not only addresses immediate humanitarian needs but also fosters a lifelong dedication to the Red Cross ideals.
The lecturer who guides the YRC Volunteers in Youth Red Cross activities is called “Program Officer”.
The Red Cross Movement began in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland, founded by Henry Dunant after witnessing the suffering of wounded soldiers during the Battle of Solferino in 1859. His vision led to the formation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, which set humanitarian standards in times of conflict.
In India, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) was established in 1920 under the Indian Red Cross Society Act and became part of the global Red Cross network. Recognizing the potential of young people as agents of change, the Youth Red Cross was introduced in educational institutions to train and mobilize students for humanitarian activities.
Government of Karnataka has visualized the need for grooming the youths for the new generation and has come out with a historic order to enroll the youths by all colleges by affiliating to Indian Red Cross Society under the banner of Youth Red Cross. Each college is having a Youth Red Cross Unit and thereby the students of affiliated colleges become the ‘Ambassadors’ of Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch.
Today, YRC operates under the guidance of the Indian Red Cross Society in almost every state, partnering with universities, colleges, and community organizations. It plays a vital role in disaster relief, health promotion, blood donation campaigns, road safety awareness, environmental initiatives, and social welfare programs.
Mission of Youth Red Cross is to inspire, encourage, and initiate youth to become active contributors to their communities through humanitarian efforts.
Its vision is to create a network of compassionate and capable young volunteers who can lead and respond to the needs of their communities.
All Government, Aided, and Unaided First Grade Colleges, Engineering, Health Science, Agricultural, Horticultural, Veterinary Science, Forestry, Fisheries, Teacher Education, Law Colleges, Polytechnics, and other recognized degree colleges shall obtain affiliation by paying a one-time fee of Rs. 1,500/-.
The affiliation fee shall be paid through the online software (https://redcrosskarnataka.org/) and the college will receive the affiliation certificate immediately upon successful payment.
Getting affiliated with the Youth Red Cross (YRC) under the Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch provides several advantages for both colleges and students.
Youth Red Cross Nodal Officer
Assistant Professor, School of Criminology & Criminal Justice
Rani Channamma University, Belagavi
Administrative Staff