New Delhi: In a powerful display of community spirit and patriotism, nearly 5,000 residents gathered at Tiranga Urban Park on Friday, responding to the Chandigarh administration’s call to register as Civil Defence Volunteers. The event, headed by Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav, aimed to train civilians in basic emergency response. The volunteers gathered cut across age, gender, and community lines.
“India is united, India is strong,” said Karanbir Singh, one of the volunteers. “It was a sight to watch—men, women, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs—all chanting together: ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai!’ and ‘Hindustan Zindabad!’”
Chandigarh is among several cities facing blackouts to thwart Pakistani drones attacking Indian defence installations.
Senior officials, including the DCP and Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, addressed the crowd. “It feels good to see people coming together for the nation. We’ve always given a strong reply to Pakistan—whether it was the 1965 war, the 1971 war, or the Kargil conflict in 1999. Even now, our country is united and ready,” said Kataria.
In a press briefing on Friday, Yadav shared that there has been a strong interest from the public wanting to volunteer for civil defense. “Anyone interested in volunteering for civil defense can come to Taigur Theatre tomorrow (Saturday) at 11 a.m. for a 3-hour training and registration session. Following this, they will be assigned duties. I encourage young people to join and stay informed through our official media channels for any urgent updates,” he said.
The spirit of service
The training camp at the Tagore theatre, conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Fire Department, covered CPR, evacuation protocols, and how to handle fires caused by LPG, oil, or electric faults. “This is about quick civilian responders,” said Singh. “It’s not just training—it’s awareness and preparedness for real emergencies.”
The three-hour training covered essential emergency response techniques aimed at preparing civilians to act quickly during emergency situations.
The NDRF team guided participants through rescue methods, including how to assist pregnant women and handle fatalities without causing further harm. They also demonstrated fire-fighting equipment and taught practical safety habits—like switching off gas regulators at night, using fire extinguishers.
“CPR training was also part of the session, along with lessons on handling LPG leaks, electrical and oil fires, and properly placing patients on stretchers,” Singh said.
Among the many volunteers was HS Lucky, 51, a Congress person and a volunteer whose efforts were widely credited for mobilising residents. “This is not about politics. This is about India. Whoever can help—should help. It was about stepping up during emergencies—whether it’s distributing rations, managing crowds, handling fires, or spreading awareness,” he said.
Another volunteer, Jeevtesh Singh Arora, said he attended the training camp out of a sense of responsibility. When he came to know about it, he urged his friends and family members to participate as well.
“We just needed the basics—how to help the elderly, use a fire extinguisher, and offer first aid,” he said. “The session gave us clarity and confidence.”
Among the volunteers was a spirited elderly woman, well over 65, who listened intently during the fire safety demonstrations—eager to learn how to handle gas cylinders, carry out evacuations, and respond swiftly in emergencies. Nearby sat a boy barely 18, clapping with enthusiasm, soaking in every instruction. “It was a striking picture of intergenerational solidarity,” said Arora.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)