On September 02, 2024, the SAHAYOG Forum-BSW Department and IQAC of the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore, organized an exposure visit to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Mangalore. The visit involved 30 students, including 13 second-year BA Open Elective students and 17 first-year BSW students, who were accompanied by Mrs. Deepika Sanil, Assistant Professor, BSW Department and Mr. Sandeep Ullal, Physical Director. The group was warmly received by the SDRF officers, who extended genuine hospitality, ensuring the students felt welcome and comfortable throughout the visit.
The session commenced with a comprehensive lecture by Mr. Ashok, a Civil Officer at SDRF, who provided in-depth insights into disaster management. He emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to disaster preparedness, highlighting key elements such as mitigation strategies, community involvement, and rapid response mechanisms. Mr. Ashok also detailed India's disaster management framework under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, elucidating the vital roles played by both the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the SDRF. His discussion on recent disaster responses, particularly local operations such as those in Shirur, offered a practical perspective to complement the theoretical knowledge shared.
Following the informative lecture, Mr. Mohan, an SDRF team member, conducted a hands-on demonstration of various disaster management equipment. His calm and detailed explanations, coupled with live demonstrations involving students, made the session interactive and highly engaging. The demonstration offered students a unique opportunity to observe real-life applications of disaster management tools and techniques, enhancing their understanding of the subject.
The visit concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Muzaira, a second-year BA student, who expressed sincere gratitude to the SDRF team for their time and effort in making the session both educational and memorable. The exposure visit to the SDRF provided students with valuable insights into the complexities of disaster management and underscored the significance of preparedness in effectively handling emergencies.
Report by: Haleema Mazeena, II BA Student