A HAM IN RED CROSS

Hai! HAM’s

I am V.S.S.RamaKrishna Prasad Call sign VU3NYD want to share my feelings and aspirations to you on this special occasion of HAM FEST INDIA -2010 Pollachi, Tamilnadu.

Being a HAM and having voluntary spirit I was attracted to participate in several events and disaster relief activities such as Gujarat Earthquake in 2001, many Cyclone relief activities in costal Andhra Pradesh, Government events like National games, Pushkarams, and Sensitizing programmes conducted by Andhra Pradesh Science and Technology. I have gained much experience through them.

In January 2009 the India Red Cross Society organization started its One Year Duration Disaster Management Center (DMC) project supported by American Red Cross. In that project I was selected as a HAM Radio Operator because of my experience and voluntary spirit. During my stay in Red Cross I have learned a lot through various trainings like 1) Mental health and Psychosocial support in emergencies and Psychological first aid.2) Essentials of disaster management and community based first aid. 3) Sphere minimum standards and monitoring & evaluation. 4) WATSAN and Emergency communications. I was given various kinds of training and I gave HAM Radio training to Red Cross staff and volunteers. We purchased and installed HAM Radio equipment for two stations, one is at Hyderabad and another one is at Vijayawada. I collected the data of active HAM’s across Andhra Pradesh and placed it in Red Cross data base. Some of the members from the above were enrolled as Red Cross members by me. For this I got merit certificate from Andhra Pradesh Governor.

There occurred a big flood to Krishna River in the month of October 2009. Then immediately I rushed to Vijayawada and started relief services involving all voluntary HAM’s along with Red Cross HAM’s under my leadership. Almost all HAM’s rendered their whole hearted services forgoing their personal comforts also. The HAM’s job was commendable, for that we received appreciation letters from State Secretary A.P. Red Cross and appreciation from National Red Cross teams also.

The one year project ended in December 2009. I have received a Certificate of Appreciation from American Red Cross Indian delegation, Head of India office New Delhi. Even though the project ended I wish to work as a Red Cross volunteer throughout my life. Because I was influenced and inspired by the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross, they are Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality.

This is my sincere appeal to all HAM’s to draw inspiration from me and enroll yourselves in Red Cross and render your voluntary support.

Thanking you ….73’s