The Youth Red Cross (YRC) is the student wing of the Indian Red Cross Society, which is a voluntary humanitarian organization working across India. The origin of this movement goes back to 1863, when the global Red Cross Movement was founded, now known as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, with the aim of reducing human suffering and promoting peace across countries. In India, the Indian Red Cross Society was established in 1920 under the Indian Red Cross Society Act.
The Youth Red Cross (YRC) was later introduced in India as a student wing to involve young people in humanitarian and social service activities. In Karnataka, the Youth Red Cross (YRC) was formally introduced and strengthened in educational institutions around the early 2000s under the guidance of the state branch in Bengaluru and the Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka.
The symbol of the Red Cross is a red cross on a white background, which is recognized worldwide as a sign of care, protection, and neutrality. The red colour represents sacrifice and courage, while the white background stands for peace and equality. This symbol is used in hospitals, disaster areas, and emergency services to show that help is being provided. It also reminds volunteers to serve everyone equally without discrimination and to follow humanitarian values.
In Karnataka, YRC functions under the State Branch in Bengaluru, following the guidelines of the Government of Karnataka, Department of Higher Education. The affiliation of a YRC unit means that the institution is officially recognized to conduct activities such as first aid training, blood donation drives, awareness campaigns, and disaster management programmes.
Vice Chancellor
Advisory Committee Chairman
Unit Head
Nodal Officer
