CHANDIGARH, May 10— More than 3,000 young residents enrolled as Civil Defence volunteers during a major mobilisation event held simultaneously at Tagore Theatre in Sector 18 and Tiranga Urban Park in Sector 17 on Saturday, marking one of the largest youth-driven initiatives in the city in recent times.
The campaign drew a strong wave of enthusiasm and patriotic energy, as hundreds gathered beneath the national flag to take a collective oath of service—pledging their commitment not only during war but also in natural disasters, public emergencies, and moments of civic unrest.
Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria addressed the youth at Tagore Theatre, invoking the spirit of India’s forgotten defenders—civilians who played critical roles during the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars.
“They had no medals,” Kataria said, “but they had the heart of India beating inside them.” He recalled stories of ordinary citizens turning classrooms into bunkers and risking their lives to save the wounded, driven solely by duty, not recognition.
His message, rooted in moral conviction and historical memory, resonated deeply with the crowd—many of whom were signing up for the first time as Civil Defence volunteers.
At Tiranga Urban Park, the mood was equally charged. Young men and women, standing under the fluttering tricolour, pledged themselves to the ideals of resilience and readiness. For several participants, the event marked a shift in their understanding of citizenship.
“It’s not just about rights anymore,” said Simran, a student volunteer. “It’s about being there when your country needs you most.”
The event also drew the presence of senior officials, including Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, and UT Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur, all of whom observed and interacted with participants throughout the day.
The mobilisation marks a significant step in strengthening Chandigarh’s Civil Defence framework, with the city now counting on thousands of new hands trained and ready to assist in times of need.
