May 26, 2025

NIT Calicut Conducts Life-Saving Mock Drill Under ‘Rashtra Pratham’ Campaign


 

In a powerful display of emergency preparedness, NIT Calicut hosted a large-scale Rescue and Evacuation Mock Drill as part of the nationwide ‘Rashtra Pratham’ (Nation First) campaign. This initiative, driven by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to instill civil preparedness and promote national unity across institutions.

Emergency in Action: Learning Through Simulation

At exactly 3:30 PM, the campus came alive with the sound of sirens and the swift movement of coordinated rescue teams. Students, faculty, and staff gathered to witness real-time simulations of disaster response—including fire emergencies, building evacuations, and safety protocol enactments.
The event was held in collaboration with the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services and the Civil Defense Team, ensuring professional execution and authenticity in every aspect of the drill.

Leadership with Purpose

The event was formally inaugurated by Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director NIT Calicut.

“Preparedness is key. We must empower every member of our community to act swiftly and responsibly during a crisis,”
he emphasized during his opening remarks, highlighting the institute’s proactive approach to safety and resilience.

Expert Insights for Real-Life Emergencies

Attendees also benefited from a hands-on session by Abdul Gafoor M, Station Officer from Mukkam. His session covered critical disaster response techniques and emphasized life-saving actions during fires, earthquakes, and other emergencies. Practical, easy-to-remember tips gave the community actionable knowledge to carry forward.

Building a Campus-Wide Safety Force

In a significant step forward, Prof. Prasad Krishna announced the upcoming formation of an in-house disaster management team at NIT Calicut.

“Our goal is to ensure that help is always just a few steps away,” he stated.
The team, to include trained representatives from each department, will receive professional training from the Kerala Fire Force.

A Commitment to Safety and Solidarity

Through this mock drill, NIT Calicut not only reaffirmed its commitment to campus safety but also echoed the values of unity, vigilance, and civic responsibility that the Rashtra Pratham campaign represents.