Training the NDRF

On 3 March National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)' second Battalion organized a workshop for about 225 soldiers who are usually involved in Disaster Response in the country, and at times, if need arises internationally. The program was inaugurated by Director General of NDRF Mr. P.M. Nair. Mrs. Kavita Singh, a professor from the National University of Juridical Sciences spoke on the legal framework for protection of women and she exhorted the soldiers to be sensitive towards the rights of women. A drama group from the city through various interactive activities focused on team effort and motivation. I had the privilege of interacting with the soldiers on Gender Needs in Emergencies - with focus on Evacuation, Search & Rescue and Camp Management. Since NDRF is involved in those activities in emergencies, the brief presentation, two short videos, couple of case stories and the discussion points were highly appreciated and found to be useful. 

Since this was my first external major program after the accident on 5 Feb, I was delighted that I could manage the session better than I thought I might end up with, as the training was in Hindi. Ms. Megan and Ms. Kaytlyn, two students from Seattle University also joined the program as observers. We thank the Commandant of the 2nd Battalion Mr. Sukhdev Raj and the Deputy Commandant Mr. Mukesh Verma for organizing such wonderful program for the whole day for the soldiers who can make a difference between life and death in times of disasters.