Bilkul Sateek News
Gurugram (Paridhi Dhasmana), 14 May – In a significant move to bolster disaster preparedness at the grassroots level, the first Civil Defence Volunteer Training Camp in Gurugram witnessed overwhelming participation from citizens across all age groups—despite being held on a working weekday. The training, held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium on Wednesday morning, marks the beginning of a series of camps aimed at equipping civilians with essential disaster management skills.
Organized under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner and Civil Defence Controller Mr. Ajay Kumar, the camp is part of a district-wide initiative to train 6,000 Civil Defence Volunteers. Within just three days of opening the registration link, over 3,000 individuals had signed up, underscoring a growing sense of civic responsibility among the people of Gurugram. Owing to public demand, these camps will now also be held at regular intervals, including weekends, to accommodate a wider audience.
Following the disaster response module prescribed by the Government of India, participants received both technical and practical training. Teams from the Fire Department, Red Cross, Health Department, and Civil Defence demonstrated the use of firefighting equipment, first aid administration, smoke evacuation procedures, safe door opening techniques, and fire alarm operations.
Among the attendees was 83-year-old Snehlata Hooda, a former Olympian and Commonwealth Games athlete, who left a lasting impression with her inspiring message:
“In times of disaster, what matters is not what we have, but what lies within us. Even without resources, a determined heart can save lives. True humanity is stepping up when it matters most.”
Her words resonated strongly with the young volunteers, including Kavyaansh, Rohit, Nikhil, and Noor, who shared their pride in being part of an initiative that allows them to serve the nation in a meaningful way.
Another highlight was the participation of 70-year-old Jaswant Singh, who emphasized the psychological readiness required during emergencies.
“This training reminds us that discipline, composure, and responsibility are crucial during crises. Even in the absence of tools, our preparedness can make all the difference,” he said.
Officials including Civil Defence Warden Mohit Sharma, Deputy Chief Warden Reena Kathuria, and District Training Officer Jatin Kaushik were present alongside representatives from emergency services.
The camp not only equipped participants with life-saving skills but also kindled a renewed spirit of volunteerism, proving that civil defence is not just about readiness—it’s about resilience, unity, and humanity in action.
