04 March 2020: The relief team of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Maharashtra, Ideal Relief Wing (IRW), organized an annual workshop to train its volunteers. The training is expected to help them prepare for relief work in any natural and man-made disasters. The three-day workshop from 29th February to 2nd March 2020 was conducted last week in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority, Collector Office, Kolhapur at Kanwad (District: Kolhapur). This camp was attended by 51 volunteers from all over the state. Written and practical exams were held, in addition to competitions. All participants were given certificates in the concluding session.

Mazher Farooque (Secretary – Social Service, JIH Maharashtra) explained the purpose and objective of the workshop, and the details thereof. Mr. Prasad Sankpal (District Disaster Management Officer, Kolhapur) defined ‘disaster’ and enumerated its types and also offered his words of guidance.. The Sarpanch of Kanwad, Babasaheb Arasgonda, appreciated the activities of this workshop. Dr. Salim Khan (Vice President JIH Maharashtra) delivered the concluding address.

Trainers of Disaster Management and Wazir Rescue Force taught the volunteers various techniques required for relief work like how to tie various types of knots, how to bandage wounds and make stretchers. Dummy bodies were used to teach first aid and CPR. Practical sessions were held on vacating the victims from disaster-struck houses and places and taking them to safer areas. Boat assemble and disassemble exercises were conducted for rescue work in flood affected areas. They were taken to the Krishna River, where they were trained on operating motor and paddle boats, and taught how to rescue drowning people and how to make optimal use of the things available on the spot. Information regarding venomous and non venomous snakes found in India was shared with the volunteers.

Mr. Umar Khan (State coordinator of Youth Wing JIH) held team building activities for the volunteers to ensure team management. The volunteers were trained by Mr. Rauf Patel, Mr. Altaf Mulla and Sagar Sir, and the workshop was managed by Mr. Ashfaq Pathan, President, SIO Kolhapur.