DM&R Minister Prof Lalnilawma Graces closing ceremony of 5th Batch Yuva aapda Mitra Training

Hnahthial Post | January 20, 2025, Aizawl: The 5th Batch Training of Yuva Aapda Mitra, conducted under the joint initiative of the Disaster Management & Rehabilitation (DM&R) Department, Government of Mizoram, and the 1st Mizo Battalion, National Cadet Corps (NCC), formally concluded today at 10:00 a.m. at the Mizoram Scouts & Guides Training Centre, Tanhril, Aizawl. The training programme had commenced on 13 January 2026. Professor Lalnilawma, Hon’ble Minister, DM&R Department, attended the programme as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister lauded the close cooperation between the DM&R Department and the 1st Mizo Battalion NCC, Aizawl, in the areas of disaster prevention and response. He remarked that such coordination is commendable and assured that even stronger collaboration would be pursued in the days ahead. Prof. Lalnilawma observed that natural disasters do not occur by human will and are beyond human control, and that everyone is vulnerable to them. However, he emphasized that preparedness and advance planning before disasters strike are well within human capacity. He underlined the importance of learning appropriate disaster response techniques and stated that such knowledge is vital. The Minister also expressed appreciation for the noble spirit of service shown by the NCC cadets and volunteers, noting their willingness to step forward to respond to disasters and assist others when such situations arise.

The 5th Batch Training of Yuva Aapda Mitra was successfully completed by 112 NCC cadets drawn from nine colleges, namely: Govt. Mamit College, Govt. Kolasib College, Govt. Serchhip College, Lunglei Govt. College, Govt. Khawzawl College, Kamalanagar Govt. College, Govt. Siaha College, Hatim College, and Govt. J.B. College.

The Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme aims to impart training to youth volunteers at the community level so that they can undertake immediate rescue and relief operations during disasters, even before external assistance reaches the affected areas. At present, the scheme’s training programmes are being implemented in the districts of Lunglei, Champhai, Kolasib, Serchhip, and Mamit. With the conclusion of today’s programme, a total of 531 youths belonging to NCC, NYKS, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and NSS have been trained so far under the scheme.

The closing ceremony was attended by Pu Udit Prakash Rai, Commissioner & Secretary, Pu Chuauhnuna, Director, and Pu Francis Lallawmkima, Joint Director (Operations) from the DM&R Department. From the NCC, Brigadier G.S. Arora, Lt. Col. Ranjit Chandel, along with other officials, were also present.