Living for others

"I am pleased to observe that Junior Red Cross in Bombay covers 232 schools and 34 colleges and youth groups,” mentioned Burjor Antia, the chief guest and a senior partner of Mulla and Mulla and Cragie Blunt and Caroe in his keynote address at the Junior Red Cross annual prize distribution and variety entertainment program at the Homi J. H. Taleyarkhan Memorial Hall in Bombay on February 14, 2014, as per a report sent to Parsiana.

As revealed in Antia’s address, the aim of the Junior Red Cross is to live for others rather than themselves, which is inculcated in young children. The organization helps develop leadership qualities among students in schools, colleges and the community at large. They hold competitions on essay writing, elocution, clay molding, poster painting, making greeting cards, Hindustani classical vocal music and dance. The Junior Red Cross also holds training camps, picnics, consumer guidance seminars, World Red Cross Day projects, blood donation drives, first aid courses, HIV/AIDS awareness programs, cultural and historical trips. Recently, Antia informed the audience, the Junior Red Cross assisted over 2,000 students of Raigad Zilla Parishad and primary schools in Vasai, Shahpur, Panvel and Bombay by donating books, stationery items and other daily essentials. Junior Red Cross members also visit old age centers, homes for the destitute, institutes for the underprivileged and differently abled children.
Antia advised the youngsters that it is not as important to occupy a big position as to "be a good human being” with the motto "Be good and do good” which is "the sum and substance of all the religions of the world.”
Antia had presented Rs 50,001 to the Junior Red Cross, and Godrej N. Dotivala, chairman of the Junior Red Cross described him as a "multifaceted diadem (crown),” listing his achievements as educationist, legal luminary with a scientific bent of mind, community stalwart, religious scholar, gifted orator, writer, humanist and philanthropist.
The program began with dance performances by students of St Xavier’s High School, Airoli and Blossoms Sunderbai Thackersey English High School, Bombay. Vice chairperson Siddiqa Ankolkar then provided a comprehensive report of the activities of the Junior Red Cross during the year. The evening’s compere was Dr Francesca Aranha, while Roshan Antia, Havovi Dotivala and members of the managing committee distributed trophies, awards and certificates to those who had excelled in various walks of life and others who had worked diligently in furthering the cause of the organization.