About Us

“Only those who understand history can create history”.   With this proverb in mind, when we made an effort to learn about the history of the Red Cross in our district, many fascinating facts came to light. Quite by chance, a senior member of our Red Cross organization, while examining some old trunks stored in the attic of his house, came across the proceedings of a Red Cross Managing Committee meeting held in 1939, under the chairmanship of the then District Collector. This clearly establishes that the Red Cross organization was founded in our district more than 84 years ago, and that even then, the committee meetings discussed the core principles of the Red Cross—selfless social service.

During the period when the District Collector served as the President, the District Health Officer functioned as the Secretary of the Red Cross for several decades. In this context, the officials of the District Health Officer’s office recently handed over an old steel almirah that had been in their custody to our branch. Upon examining it, we discovered expenditure ledgers, receipt books, and related records from the years 1973–74, 1975–76, and so on. These documents filled us with both amazement and excitement. Observing the systematic manner in which records were maintained in those days, we felt proud of the Red Cross legacy of our district.

All this confirms that the roots of the Indian Red Cross Society are deeply and firmly embedded in our district. The available records clearly show that the Red Cross has been actively engaged in service activities here since its inception. One of the major reasons for this appears to be the commitment of District Collectors to the selfless service principles of the Red Cross, along with the dedication of officials and volunteers who worked in accordance with these ideals.

Another important reason for the strong foundation of the Red Cross in our district is the exceptional role played by other public service organizations such as Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Inner Wheel, Scouts and Guides, etc. These organizations have significantly strengthened our Red Cross branch. Even today, they maintain an excellent relationship with us and extend their cooperation in many ways. Similarly, public institutions, private industrialists, and philanthropists in the district have generously supported our organization and joined hands in our service activities.

Red Cross Blood Bank

One of the most important milestones in the history of the Red Cross in our district is the establishment of the Red Cross Blood Bank. Founded on 13 September 2001, the Red Cross Blood Bank has become a proud service platform of our district. Initially, the administration established the blood bank at Athena Hospital, Falnir, Mangaluru. This marked a significant chapter in the history of Dakshina Kannada district.

After several ups and downs, the blood bank was relocated in 2010–11 to an independent government building at Lady Goschen Hospital, Hampankatta, where it gained a distinct identity of its own.

Following this relocation, the Red Cross Blood Bank entered a new phase, providing 24×7 service, 365 days a year, to the public. Through the tireless efforts of our staff, blood donation camps are organized, the collected blood is processed, and distributed in strict compliance with all government regulations. A matter that deserves to be written in golden letters is that all patients of the government Lady Goschen Hospital—including pregnant women and postnatal mothers—are provided blood units free of cost. We are proud to say that this is a remarkable achievement. On average, about 500 units of blood are supplied free of cost every month.

For blood donors, this service brings the fulfillment of social service; for patients, it brings gratitude for relief from pain; and for the Red Cross Managing Committee and staff, it brings a deep sense of fulfillment in selfless service. Our proud Red Cross Blood Bank has continuously received awards from the State Red Cross Society. Beyond awards, it has earned the blessings of patients and their families through sustained service.

While the Indian Red Cross Society in the state is celebrating its centenary, our district’s Red Cross Blood Bank will celebrate its Silver Jubilee in just two years. District Collectors, the Red Cross Managing Committee, various cooperating organizations, and officials and staff of the district are all responsible for this achievement.

Independent Building for the District Red Cross Office

For a long time, our district Red Cross office did not have its own building and functioned from a small room in the District Collector’s office. Whenever the Collector’s office expanded its activities, our Red Cross office was shifted to another corner or another part of the building. In effect, the Red Cross office had no permanent space or address.

In this situation, in 2007, the District Collector not only allotted 0.11 acres of land within the Collector’s office premises but also encouraged the construction of a building. Accordingly, in 2011, a Red Cross building was constructed within the Collector’s office campus. Today, it stands as a hub of selfless service and a center of active initiatives. This building is also a symbol of our self-respect. For nearly 15 years, it has been the center of our activities.

At present, as the scope of our service activities continues to expand, the existing building has become inadequate. There is no sufficient space for all Managing Committee members to sit together for meetings; even sub-committee meetings are difficult to conduct. We lack space to conduct training programs on First Aid and Disaster Management, which are key Red Cross initiatives. There is also insufficient space to store relief materials received from the State branch.

Dakshina Kannada District Red Cross Centenary Building

On the occasion of the Red Cross centenary, our district has envisioned a unique way of celebrating this historic milestone. On 0.29 acres of land provided by the District Collector, an ambitious project to construct a building at an estimated cost of ₹6 crore is currently being implemented. The driving force behind this project is our District Red Cross Chairman, Shri C. A. Shantharam Shetty.

Red Cross Taluk Branches

The Red Cross is a non-political, non-sectarian, and borderless humanitarian movement. To spread this movement, it is essential to establish, nurture, and sustain taluk-level branches. Accordingly, in 2005, Red Cross taluk units were established in all taluk headquarters of our district. However, in subsequent years, their activities weakened due to a lack of organizational strength.

These units have now been revitalized. It is a matter of pride to record that the Red Cross branches in Belthangady, Sullia, Kadaba, and Moodbidri taluks are functioning very actively and rendering commendable service.

Youth Red Cross

The Youth Red Cross has played a distinctive role in the history of the Red Cross in our district. Due to the enthusiasm of the younger generation members of the Managing Committee, Mangalore University received the Best Award at the State Level for the year 2021–22, which was conferred by the Honorable Governor, in recognition of its Red Cross service activities. This achievement will remain etched in history.

Not only this, several recognized universities in the district have established and activated Youth Red Cross units, striving to nurture young people with a strong sense of social responsibility. This is a highly encouraging development.

Distinctive Service During COVID-19

The Dakshina Kannada District Red Cross Society has responded swiftly and effectively during natural disasters as well. While recording the journey of the Red Cross, it is important to mention the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, during which all Red Cross units in the state were actively engaged in service. However, we humbly wish to record the unique services rendered by our district unit.

In addition to distributing face masks, pulse oximeters, natural fruit beverages, raincoats, etc., generously provided by the State branch, we locally distributed food grains worth ₹10 lakh to deserving beneficiaries.

One of our most distinctive services during COVID-19 was the doorstep vaccination provided to senior citizens and bedridden patients within Mangaluru city, with the support of the Honorable District Collector and in coordination with the Health Department. This initiative earned recognition as a model program for the entire state. Approximately 5,000 people benefited from this service by receiving both doses.

When the Government of India prioritized vaccination for NRIs, we organized special camps for them and provided free vaccination facilities. As a result, about 4,000 NRIs were able to receive both doses and return abroad in time for employment or education. This stands as a permanent and unparalleled milestone in the service history of our district Red Cross.

When some government employees hesitated to serve in laboratories at Wenlock Hospital, Youth Red Cross students, with the consent of their parents, risked their own lives to work in the swab test reporting sections—an unforgettable act of service. During natural calamities, seeing Youth Red Cross volunteers consider crises as opportunities for service moved the then District Collector to emotional appreciation, a moment we still vividly remember..

Red Cross Library at Wenlock Hospital

Another notable service initiative of the district Red Cross is the establishment of a library at Wenlock Hospital. During the COVID period, students and senior citizens volunteered to assist patients. In addition, the Red Cross set up a reading room in the hospital, distributing daily newspapers and weekly magazines to inpatients, thus launching a knowledge mission. The Youth Red Cross of our district has rendered exceptional service in this regard.

Voluntary Life Membership Drive

About 10 years ago, our Dakshina Kannada District branch had 992 members. Today, it has grown to 2,961 life members. These members render commendable, often unseen, service whenever and wherever emergency or urgent assistance is required.

Our district Red Cross has consistently received state-level awards. The Chairman, Shri C. A. Shantharam Shetty, who has taken charge for the third time, is working with dedication and commitment, along with the Managing Committee, towards the construction of the Dakshina Kannada District Red Cross Centenary Building.

There is a strong aspiration that this centenary building will emerge as a dynamic center of service activities in the history of the Red Cross across Karnataka and will become a symbol of pride for all Red Cross members in the district.

The continuous support of the State Red Cross branch, the generosity of donors, the encouragement of Red Cross members, and above all, the people’s enduring passion for selfless humanitarian service are what drive our district Red Cross forward.

Embracing the principle that selfless humanitarian service alone is truth and everything else is illusion, the Dakshina Kannada District Red Cross Society is poised to open another chapter in history through the construction of the Red Cross Centenary Building in the near future.