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HISTORY OF INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT BRANCH
The Formation and Development
The formation and development of the Indian Red Cross Society, Ernakulam District Branch were closely related to the Historical developments in the state and changes from the rule of Maharaja to the system of democracy. The Red Cross society was formed in the erstwhile Cochin state with the initiative of Sir George Bogue the then Diwan of Cochin and under the patronage of the Maharaja of Cochin in 1944.
Even after the formation of Travancore Cochin State and subsequent development of Kerala State, the branch had been functioning up to 1960 under the banner of Cochin Branch. The former Maharaja of Cochin H.H Rama Varma, continued to be the patron and he nominated the chairman every year. The superintendent of the General Hospital Ernakulam was the Hon. Secretary.
During 1960 the bye law was amended in line with the central bye law. The same year the Trichur District Branch was formed and consequently got itself separated from Cochin Branch. In 1961 District Collector and District Medical Officer took charge as the ex officio President and Hon. Secretary respectively, and named the branch as Ernakulam District Branch. The programmes of the society used to be finalized in the Executive Committee meeting and the office was functioning as a part of the office of District Medical Officer (Health).
In 1996, the bye law was amended and a popular Managing Committee was constituted with Shri. V.P. Joy, District Collector as the ex-officio President, District Medical Officer as the ex-officio Vice President, Smt. Retnakala S Menon - Vice President (elected), Shri. Joseph J Palakkapilly Hon. Secretary, Adv. V.D. Balakrishna Kartha - Treasurer, Shri. Jose Francis - JRC Secretary, and seven committee members. The committee decided to organize Thaluk branches.
 
 

Programmes and Services
Since the society was formed during World War II, the programmes in forties were to mitigate the sufferings of the victims of war and welfare of ex service men. In the decades of fifties and sixties the society took initiative to distribute food items, blankets etc. to deserving people who were suffering with poverty and natural disasters. The distributions were arranged through various social agencies in the field.
In 1961 the Executive Committee decided to have a building for Blood Bank at General Hospital Ernakulam. A Committee was constituted with Dr.K. G Thankamma, District Medical Officer as the Secretary Shri M.K.K Nair, Shri Joseph Chakola, Dr. M.A Uremese and Smt. Ambadi Karthiyayiani Amma were the members. In May 1962 the building was inaugurated by His Excellency Shri V.V Giri, the then Governor of Kerala. The Society handed over the ground floor of the building to the General Hospital Ernakulam for the Blood Bank. A Government order was issued to this effect. By the same order, the Indian Red Cross society was permitted to use the first floor of the building for its programmes and functions.
In 1973 when Chellanam village was struck by sea erosion, which destroyed hundreds of house holds leaving thousands homeless, the society could manage the support of the International Red Cross Society to rebuild the village. The timely relief action was appreciated by the Government. Smt Ratnakala S. Menon who was in charge of the project was honoured with National Award by the President of India.

Mother of Junior Red Cross - Smt. Ratnakala S. Menon
She was the director of Junior Red Cross from 1960 onwards and Vice President of Indian Red Cross Society District Branch from 1996 to 2005. She organized the first JRC District level camp in 1960. She conducted 36 JRC District level camps during her period. When Chellanam village was destroyed by sea erosion in 1973 she took leadership in organizing re-habilitation services with support of International Red Cross Society. In 1979 she was honoured with Red Cross Medal by the President of India. She passed away on 19th June 2006.