Learning to deal with all types of calamities

BANGALORE: “The role of common man and educated masses in disaster situations like terrorism is immense and community plays a very important role during post incident management scenario” said Shankar Bidari, DGP, whilst addressing the students during 'Integrated Disaster Management Programme' (IDMP) at Symbiosis Institute of Media And Communications.Bidari spoke about terrorism and psychological warfare in one of the sessions. “Future managers should always remember that till you don’t have a safe country, good law and order situation with trained masses, no economic activity can prosper. Thus, as the future of the country and upcoming leaders, the students have a responsibility towards the society and this awareness and knowledge will lead to preparedness for any upcoming calamities or hazards,” he added.The workshop focused on creating awareness and preparing the students to deal with natural and man-made calamities in an effective manner.The sessions included Dr R Dharmaraju and Dr Vishwanathan, Administrative Training Institute, Mysore; Dr Narayanaswamy, St Johns Ambulance; S Pasha ACP TTI; Rajesh and Mahesh, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board; Dr AVK Rao, Head-EHS Biocon; M P Kanal, Head-Carbon & Energy Southern Region & Sri Lanka, TUV India Pvt Ltd; Sam Panchamukhi, Creative Mentor & Consultant Brand Activation, Wizcraft; J H Ravi Shankar, Regional Fire Officer Bengaluru South Range and Maj General T M John, Ex-Colonel Commandant, The Madras Sappers.Subjects covered included first-aid handling of medical emergencies, event management, psychological warfare, terrorism, nuclear, biological and chemical warfare, fire demonstrations and rescue operations besides road accident preventions.The programme included practical demonstrations and hands-on training. It also gave students a platform to exchange views and reach out to prominent figures in public services.