Assam: Youth Empowerment Convention Aims to Enhance Disaster Risk Management Skills
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Guwahati, Dec 10 (NationPress) A two-day state convention titled Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future, organized by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), commenced on Tuesday. The initiative aims to equip young individuals and community volunteers with the necessary skills to mitigate disaster risks and promote resilience at the grassroots level.
This event is taking place at the Birinchi Kumar Barua (BKB) Auditorium, located within Gauhati University.
The convention was inaugurated by Assam's Sports and Youth Welfare Minister, Nandita Gorlosa, who emphasized the necessity for sustainable living and disaster preparedness to reduce the effects of both natural and human-induced disasters.
She underscored the significance of learning from past calamities to construct a safer future for people, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Additionally, an exhibition showcasing various disaster management activities conducted by different stakeholders, volunteers, and students was launched by the Minister.
ASDMA's Chief Executive Officer, Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, noted that empowering young responders through programs like Aapda Mitra, Circle Level Quick Response Teams (CQRTs), and the incorporation of disaster preparedness into school curriculums is a key priority.
He stressed that trained youth can serve as first responders and agents of change in their communities during emergencies.
Nanigopal Mahanta, the Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University, in his keynote address, highlighted the necessity of merging traditional practices with modern approaches for effective disaster management.
He referenced historical examples from Assam, such as the Mising tribe's flood-resistant Chang Ghars and initiatives like floating hospitals, to illustrate the importance of local solutions.
Arunasis Chakraborty, Head of the Centre for Disaster Management at IIT Guwahati, pointed out the severe floods in the Himalayan region in 2023 and emphasized the need to connect education with disaster preparedness.
He remarked that 1.2 billion youth globally are vulnerable to disaster risks, highlighting the necessity of their training and awareness for a resilient future.
A Coffee Table Book titled Empowering Next Generation for a Resilient Future was also launched by Minister Gorlosa during the event.
The gathering included district project officers, field officers, and 40 top-performing Aapda Mitra volunteers, facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity building.
Representatives from 10 different states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, and Sikkim, shared their best practices and innovative models for disaster management throughout the convention.
