Learning to Tackle Emergencies: Prepare To Prevent, a Workshop by NDRF (National Disaster Response Force)

The Bhawanipur Education Society College & the NCC wing organized a workshop on “Learning to Tackle Emergencies” on December 15, 2023, at the Jubilee Hall of the college campus, starting at 9:30 am. The workshop drew a participation of approximately 230 individuals, including Umang volunteers, NCC cadets, and the faculties. The event was led by the 2nd Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), an Indian specialized force with the motto “आपदा सेवा सदैव.”

Inspector Abhay Kumar, serving as the speaker and session leader, initiated the session with a video presentation by the NDRF team. The video showcased the team’s commendable efforts in safeguarding people during disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones. Following the video presentation, Inspector Abhay Kumar, along with six NDRF officers, demonstrated crucial techniques, including evacuation drills, first aid basics, search and rescue procedures, communication protocols, emergency shelter setups, and rope & knot techniques.

Furthermore, Inspector Abhay Kumar seamlessly blended oral presentations with practical demonstrations during the workshop. In the initial phase, he provided comprehensive oral demonstrations, ensuring that participants gained a thorough understanding of the techniques. Building on this knowledge, the workshop smoothly transitioned to a practical session where officers illustrated the application of the learned techniques using readily available items like wooden sticks and t-shirts for creating stretchers. This hands-on segment allowed Umang volunteers and NCC students to actively participate, reinforcing their understanding through repetition and practice.

The workshop’s interactive and experiential approach proved highly beneficial, offering practical and easily applicable skills for emergencies. The Umang volunteers found the workshop relevant as it equipped them with essential tools for effective emergency response. Inspector Abhay Kumar and his team were felicitated by the Rector and Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Dilip Shah, and by the NCC Officer, Aritrica Dubey, acknowledging their valuable contribution to the workshop.

The collaborative efforts of The Bhawanipur Education Society College and the NDRF team resulted in a successful and enlightening workshop, fostering a sense of preparedness and community service among the participants. The workshop not only imparted valuable skills applicable to academic pursuits but also contributed to the participants’ roles as responsible citizens ready to serve their community during challenging times. Practical demonstrations, such as the use of everyday items for creating stretchers, resonated well with the participants, emphasizing the resourcefulness required during emergencies. The collaborative efforts and insights gained during the event are expected to leave a lasting impact on the preparedness and resilience of the Umang volunteers, NCC cadets, and other participants.

Reporter – Ruchika Sachdev
Photographer – Fakir Ahmed