What is the Red Cross and how was it born?

The Red Cross is an international humanitarian organisation.Initially its field of activity was confined to looking after soldiers wounded in wars.But now it works for alleviation of all forms of human suffering.Almost all the countries of the worlds branches of Red Cross which works both during war and peace.

It serves helpless people without any discrimination on grounds of caste,creed or nationality.During peace time,its activities are:to give first aid,to prevent accidents,to keep drinking water safe,to train nurses and midwives,to look after maternity and child welfare centres, to establish hospital hospitals, to set up blood etc.This organisation is a friend of the entire humanity.
The story of the origin of the Red Cross is very interesting.The founder of this orgnisation was Jean Henri Dunant.On June 24,1859,he had gone to the city of Lavardi in connection with his business.At that time,the city was the focal point of the continuing war between France and Austria.Thousands of men and women injured in war were seen in great pains.Many of them were dying for want of first aid.This heart-rending sight had a great impact on his mind.He forget his own workand dedicated himself to the service of the distressed people .His efforts saved many lives.
After this war he made an appeal telling the people of the world that soldiers wounded in wars were helpless people and human beings it was the duty of everybody to help them.This appeal had a great impact on the people and in the international conference held in Geneva in 1864,fourteen coutries accepted the establishment of Red Cross.The flag of switzerland had a white cross against red background changing it ,a 'red cross' against a white background,the name and flag to this organisation was given. Thus Red Cross came into  existence.
The Red Cross has three organs. The first is the International Committee of the Red Cross. It is an independent committee of twenty-five citizens of Switzerland. Its main office is situated in Geneva. The second organ is the league of the Red Cross Societies while the third is the National Red Cross Societies.
During wars, the International Committee of the Red Cross works as an intermediary between the National Red Cross societies and the countries involved in the wars. It looks after the prisoners of war in their camps and arranges relief for them. It takes care of their mail and establishes contact with their relatives. This organisation also serves the people affected by cyclones, epidemics, famines etc.