Patiala- Following the instructions of the Government of India and Deputy Commissioner Patiala, to make children, teachers and through them parents aware, Chief Instructor of First Aid, Safety Health Awareness Mission and retired Training Supervisor of Indian Red Cross Society, Mr. Kaka Ram Verma, under the leadership of Punjab Home Guard Civil Defence, gave training to 1200 students and teachers in Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 about self-defense and ways to help the victims during war and disasters.
He shared his experiences of protecting himself and helping the victims by the common people during the 1971 war. That one should not believe in rumors and social media. Rather it is necessary to get accurate information through TV, newspapers or control room.
During the war, one had to live in trenches in every street, mohalla, village, at night, during complete blackout. Bombs, gas, smoke etc. remain only two feet above the ground, so people lying on their stomachs or sitting in trenches can survive. During the day, volunteers of Punjab Home Guard Civil Defence and Red Cross visited streets, houses, colonies, public places and conducted mock drills and made people and youths aware and made them civil defence volunteers. Relief material was distributed in needy areas.
When army vehicles passed, tricolour flags were seen everywhere, langars were organised, girls, women and children tied rakhis to soldiers and applied tilak to boost their morale. Patriotic songs were sung. Blood donation was done by the youth for the injured soldiers. Bandages, splints, medicines, dry ration donated by donors were sent to the borders. There was a lot of enthusiasm, courage, vivacity, bravery and patriotic feelings in the country.
Parminder Kaur Manchanda, Director, Red Cross De-Drug Rehabilitation Centre, spoke about the services provided by Red Cross and Geneva Conventions during war, disasters and epidemics. Children were trained in first aid, CPR, ventilator and artificial respiration. SI Ajeet Kaur and ASI Ram Saran of Punjab Police gave information about safety, protection, respect and following safe traffic rules, laws and principles, help line numbers.
Principal Mr. VK Solanki expressed his gratitude and said that the efforts of district administration are commendable for conducting such training and awareness programs to encourage children and common man to stay healthy, safe, happy and help the victims.