The 5 Day Workshop on Disaster Management was organised by Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development Regional Centre Chandigarh was inaugurated by Col Rakesh Kundlas, Deputy Commander, NCC Group Chandigarh in the presence of Wing Commander M. R. Pandeya Mr. Rajesh Verma, Consultant Finance and Admin, RGNIYD RC. Fifty-one participants consisting of NCC and NSS volunteers from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh actively participated in this 5 day workshop. Brig Ashwani briefed the participants about Disaster Management which was introduced in 2005 in India. Mr. Chauhan and Mr. Gill from the Fire Department Chandigarh visited and imparted knowledge to the participants about Fire, its components, types, causes, how to extinguish it and what to do in case of a fire. Mr. Santosh from The Indian Red Cross Society introduced all the participants to the sixteen hour First aid Programme. He explained about First Aid and even demonstrated how to give First Aid to victims in different situations. The next day started with self defence class with the help of which students gained confidence to deal with every situation. Then Brig. Ashwani imparted knowledge about Chemical Warfare its usage, characteristics, certain agents which are generally used were made known along with their symptoms and protective measures. Mr. Saurabh Dhiman gave a presentation on Flash Floods their types, causes, measures to be taken. Mr. Santosh took the next session in which he explained to the participants the importance of taking care of one’s own health by having a balanced diet, proper sleep and exercise. The third day kick-started with the self defence class after which the participants were taken for a field visit to Pinjore Gardens. Capt Bhavani Singh from the NDRF team briefed the participants about Disasters and their Management done by NDRF at the sites. The NDRF team then demonstrated methods by which rescue operations are done after which they put on an exhibition of the machines and tools they use to rescue people. They then without the help of a harness demonstrated different methods of rescuing people from areas which are difficult to access. Mr. Santosh took the next session explaining the reasons for the occurrence of disaster in the present era. The Fourth day started with the usual self defence class followed by Brig. Ashwani breifing the students about Nuclear Warfare. Then Mr. Mridul Upadhyay, Asia Representative, Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network, Youth representative of India explained about Tsunami and Cyclone and its preparation, response, etc. Post lunch Mr. Santosh told about First Aid and Home Nursing. The Cultural evening was an enjoyable one with students showcasing their latent talents. All the students indulged in activities ranging from dance, singing and dramatics. The last day started with the Self Defence class at 6am in which the participants were taught how to defend themselves from attacks. Post breakfast there was a talk by Ms. Ashima Kaul who is the founder of Yakjah Foundation, an NGO which works on peacekeeping in Jammu and Kashmir. There was a Blood donation Camp organised by Red Cross in collaboration with RGNIYD, Chandigarh. Many volunteers donated blood and received refreshment and certificates for the same. In the concluding ceremony Mr. Stanzin Dawa Director, RGNIYD thanked all the organisations without whose help and support the workshop wouldn’t have been a success. In the end certificates were distributed to all the participants. The workshop ended with a pledge taken by the students to aid everyone whenever required.

Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Regional Centre, Chandigarh conducted a 5-Day Workshop on Career Planining and Life Skills at Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Choglamsar, Leh Ladakh from 7 th to 11 th July 2017, in collaboration with Lamstan and Central Institute of Buddhist Studies. 55 young students from various schools and colleges participated in this workshop with a great enthusiasm to translate their dreams into a reality. The program was concluded today. Gen Konchok Wangdus, Director, Central Institute of Buddhist Studies was the chief guest for the closing ceremony where he threw a light on the importance of the career and life skills and how these skills will help the individuals to achieve their goals and become a successful person in their life. Mr. Jigmet Angchok, Programme Assisstant, RGNIYD RC was the lead facilitator for the workshop. Mr. Angchok delivered various sessions which included life skills, self awareness, time management, effective communication skills, goal settings etc. He also discussed with the participants about their strengths and weaknesses and mentioned about the 4 H model of self-development (4H - Head, Heart, Hand and Health). Mr. Tonudp Wangail, President, Lamstan took a sessions on Identifying the right career and planning it. Expert talks by Mr. Tsering Namgail, Director, Wind Horse Expedication, Mrs. Tsewang Dolma, Programme Coordinator, Snow Leopard Conservative, Dr. Sonam Angchok, Lecturer CIBS, Gen Lobsang Tsultim, Lecturer and Miss Diskit Angmo, Lecturer, Degree College also facilitated sessions during the workshop. Participants felt motivated and inspired to plan their career and achieve their goal.