President Pranab Mukherjee today gave away the awards for the best performing branches and distinguished Red Cross and St. John workers at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mukherjee lauded the exercise made by the Indian Red Cross Society to join the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao programme and the Swachh Bharat initiative.<br/><br/>He said the work of the Red Cross in risk reduction, capacity building, development work, disaster and crisis management has been invaluable in providing relief and succor across the world. The President called for involvement of the younger generations in programmes for small children and the aged.<br/><br/>He stated that with greater numbers of students joining the Indian Red Cross and the St John Ambulance, a key aspect of their overall education will be achieved<br/><br/>Later in the evening, addressing the business session of St. John's Ambulance and Red Cross society, Health Minister J P Nadda expressed hope that the awardees will be able to spread the spirit of volunteerism among the youth for humanitarian service.