A five-day Community First Responders Training programme for members of the Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) commenced at the Central Training Institute (CTI), Home Guards, Civil Defence & SDRF, Toluvi, Dimapur, on Monday. A total of 104 trainees, including 81 male and 23 female participants, are attending the programme.
According to DIPR report, the inaugural session was chaired by District Commandant, Dimapur, M. Yingnyei Konyak, who underscored the importance of community-based preparedness. He reminded participants that courage, determination, and commitment are essential qualities for efficient responders, urging them to take the training seriously and prepare to serve their communities effectively.
Commandant CTI, HG, CD & SDRF, Avinuo, in her welcome address, highlighted the objective of the programme—to equip participants with essential skills to respond during emergencies and support disaster management efforts at the grassroots level. She emphasized that disaster management was not merely a duty but a service to humanity.
Avinuo noted that CTI is the only dedicated training institute under the Department of Home Guards & Civil Defence focusing on disaster response and preparedness. In collaboration with the State Disaster Management Authority, the institute has already trained around 1,000 community first responders under the Aapda Mitra Scheme, along with nearly 700 volunteers from organisations such as NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts and Guides.
Outlining the training modules, she informed that participants would undergo intensive hands-on sessions in first aid, road rescue, water rescue, firefighting, search and rescue, and overall disaster preparedness. Stressing practical learning, she encouraged trainees to remain disciplined and proactive, making full use of the expertise of instructors. She expressed confidence that empowering youth with life-saving skills would strengthen community resilience.
Secretary, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Sentiwapang Aier, described the training as a significant and timely initiative aimed at empowering the youth of Eastern Nagaland. He pointed out that disasters often strike without warning and have a more severe impact in remote areas where immediate emergency services are limited. In such situations, he said, community members—especially youth—serve as the first line of response.
Aier emphasized that the programme seeks not only to impart practical skills but also to instill responsibility, leadership, and readiness among participants. He lauded ENSF for its proactive initiative, particularly the formation of its Human Resource Committee, which reflects a strong commitment to youth welfare. He also appreciated the Home Guards & Civil Defence and CTI for their continued support in organizing such programmes, noting that their contribution was vital in developing capable community responders.
Highlighting NSDMA’s vision, Aier said strengthening disaster preparedness at the grassroots level is key to reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience across the state. He added that the training programme is a step towards creating a network of skilled individuals who can effectively respond during emergencies. He encouraged participants to engage actively in the sessions and carry forward the knowledge gained for the benefit of their communities.
Vice president of ENSF, Pusho P, also spoke briefly, expressing gratitude to the organisers and trainers for providing such an opportunity to the youth.
The inaugural programme began with the introduction of trainees and concluded with closing remarks by the chairperson.
