The Goa Home Guards and Civil Defence Organisation conducted an enrollment drive at a pharmacy college today, inviting students to join Civil Defence (CD) initiatives. The drive is part of a national effort to encourage youth participation in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community safety.
Speaking to students, CD Warden of Panjim Division, Shri John Aguiar, explained the origins and purpose of Civil Defence. He shared that the service began as a civilian volunteer organisation in Great Britain during World War II and was officially named the Civil Defence Service (CD) in 1941. Established in India on October 24, 1941, and later formalised through the Civil Defence Act, 1968, its primary goal is to protect citizens from natural and man-made disasters, covering preparedness, response, and recovery.
Shri Aguiar emphasised that trained Civil Defence volunteers act as first responders, equipped with knowledge to ensure their own survival and help others efficiently during emergencies, potentially saving lives and mitigating disaster impacts.
The drive included registration desks and awareness sessions, with senior wardens Shri Vijay Kumar Surlikar, Shri Rupesh Parvatkar, CDVs Harsha Naik and Smriti Kothare, and Lady Home Guard Dilshad Eklaspurkar briefing students on Civil Defence units’ roles and importance for the community.
Assistant Professor Dr. Sachi Kudchadkar coordinated the programme, and Principal Dr. Gopal Krishna Rao was present to encourage student participation. The event highlighted the significance of civic responsibility and the empowerment of youth to serve as informed, prepared citizens in times of crisis.
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