Pune, September 4, 2026: Licensed amateur radio operators from the Pune Hams VU2RCP group have completed the five-day Basic Civil Defence Training Programme. They received their certificates at a ceremony held at the All India Institute of Local Self-Government (AIILSG), Pune.
This was the first Civil Defence training batch in Pune with active participation from HAM radio operators. It marks a step towards closer cooperation between the amateur radio community and Civil Defence authorities.
What the training covered
The course prepared participants for emergencies, disasters and other critical situations. Topics included:
- Basic firefighting skills
- Emergency first aid, including CPR
- Search and rescue during disasters such as floods and earthquakes
- Setting up emergency VHF and UHF communication networks
- Wartime support to local authorities
- Peacetime support in crowd and riot management
Participants
- Siddharth – VU3EQX
- Manish – VU3IFQ
- Indrajit – VU32GO
- Omkar – VU32OK
- Prateek – VU22PJ
- Amit – VU3SZO
- Sooraj – VU3ZAG
Training and ceremony
The course was led by Yogesh Pardeshi Sir, who taught with great enthusiasm and a positive spirit. OM Milind Vaidya (VU2VMV) supported the programme by making the AIILSG venue available.
The chief guest at the certificate distribution ceremony was Lt. Col. Prashant Chatur, Deputy Controller of Civil Defence, Pune.
Looking ahead
Licensed amateur radio operators are expected to strengthen the Civil Defence organisation’s communication capabilities, especially in emergencies and disasters where reliable networks are critical. The programme shows the role HAM operators can play in emergency communication, disaster response, search and rescue, and public safety.
Special thanks to Milind Vaidya (VU2VMV) for initiating the training programme and seeing it through to completion.
Report Credits:
Vilas P. Rabde (VU2VPR)
Kunal Gautam (VU3YEJ)
