Seven-day Training and Capacity Building of Civil Defence programme

Three students from the BCRPS of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Puducherry Campus Ms. Swathi V., Ms. Sadhana S., and Mr. Moses Nepoleon, successfully participated in a seven-day Training and Capacity Building of Civil Defence programme held at the IGMC Auditorium, Puducherry, from 27 August to 2 September 2026. The programme brought together 357 participants from other colleges and aimed to build awareness and practical understanding of civil defence, disaster management and community preparedness. The programme was inaugurated with introductory sessions explaining the purpose and importance of Civil Defence. Kulothungan A., I.A.S., District Collector, Puducherry, attended as the Chief Guest and addressed participants on the significance of the programme. T. Sudhakar, Additional District Collector, Puducherry, and P. Massilamani, Deputy Collector, Puducherry, were also associated with the programme.

The main Objective of this training program is to make the students aware of civil defence and disaster management. The aim of this activity is to make the students as a gaurdians in case of natural or man-made calamities, how to protect society and provide basic needs during disaster times, and assist them not only in case of disaster but also in how to protect themselves in case of fire accidents and electric shocks, and the need for community and civic preparedness for society.

• Day 1 (27/08/2026): Introduction to the Civil Defence Training Programme, its objectives, benefits, and importance, followed by an address by the Chief Guest.
• Day 2 (28/08/2026): Puducherry Fire Service conducted sessions on types of fire, fire safety, and rescue techniques.
• Day 3 (29/08/2026): Continued training on fire emergency response, demonstration of firefighting equipment, and practical demonstration of fire extinguisher usage.
• Day 4 (30/08/2026): Sessions by NDRF on disaster management and rescue duties, followed by an Indian Coast Guard session on maritime safety, rescue operations, and border protection.
• Day 5 (31/08/2026): NDRF training on CPR, emergency evacuation, and techniques for safely securing and rescuing individuals during disasters.
• Day 6 (01/09/2026): Session by a Nursing Officer from IGGGH on healthcare during disasters, emergency care, and civic responsibilities.
• Day 7 (02/09/2026): Recap of the training sessions, photography, and certificate distribution, marking the successful conclusion of the programme.

Over the seven days, participants attended sessions conducted by the Puducherry Fire Service, NDRF, Indian Coast Guard, and a Nursing Officer from IGGGH. The sessions covered fire safety, rescue techniques, disaster management, CPR, emergency evacuation, maritime safety, and basic healthcare during disasters. The programme concluded with a recap session and certificate distribution.

The seven-day Civil Defence Training Programme provided participants with valuable exposure to disaster preparedness, fire safety, rescue techniques, basic life-saving procedures, healthcare during emergencies, and the responsibilities of various emergency response organisations. The contributions of the Puducherry Fire Service, National Disaster Response Force, Indian Coast Guard, and the Nursing Officer from IGGGH made the programme informative and practical. The training reinforced the importance of preparedness, teamwork, responsible citizenship, and prompt action during emergencies. Overall, the programme served as a meaningful initiative to develop awareness and strengthen the participants' ability to contribute to community safety and disaster management.