GGSPIU launches Aapda Mitra training programme for first batch of 100 students

People from a variety of backgrounds who will be trained as first responders were among the attendees. The volunteers, who included homemakers, parlour workers, and people employed by e-commerce businesses, claimed that recent earthquakes and other natural calamities were what prompted them to join up.

GGSPIU launches Aapda Mitra training programme for first batch of 100 students

Lieutenant governor V K Saxena has launched the ‘Aapda Mitra’ training programme for the first batch of 100 students at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. People from a variety of backgrounds who will be trained as first responders were among the attendees. The volunteers, who included homemakers, parlour workers, and people employed by e-commerce businesses, claimed that recent earthquakes and other natural calamities were what prompted them to join up.

For 44-year-old Sunita Sabharwal, it was her sibling’s death that pushed her to join the community service programme. “I want to be trained to be able to help others, be it someone at home or in the neighbourhood. After my sister’s death, I have been taking care of her children. After the mishap, I got motivated to do something for others and society at large. We have all seen and heard of disasters, not only in Delhi, but in other parts of the country too and I want to help actively,” said Sabharwal, a resident of Najafgarh.

Amit Kumar Dabri (24), who works for an e-commerce firm, said, “As a civil defence volunteer, we have been trained at a basic level in terms of rescue. Under Aapda Mitra, we will be trained for skills at a much higher level. For instance, how to respond and rescue people during an earthquake.”

Kajal, a 23-year-old homemaker, said, “I want to be prepared and have the requisite knowledge for such skills, so that I can reach out and help people in need.”

The LG declared that training first responders was "needed now," saying that ensuring a timely and appropriate reaction is the most difficult responsibility in the event of a tragedy.

“It is important that relief and rescue measures are provided spontaneously in an emergency. We are to empower volunteers with basic knowledge, skill and understanding of relief, rescue, emergencies and medical services at the local level as first responders to the devastation caused by any emergency,” he said.

Saxena added, “With the recent earthquakes across the world, it is the need of the hour to quantify the significance of adequate awareness and preparedness in the community. The role of community participation is very critical and can have a tremendous impact on the protection of human life.”