Commodore N. Anil Jose Joseph VSM of the Indian Navy (Retd.), highlighted that India is yet to fully develop safety as a cultural norm, drawing on his experiences during the 2004 Tsunami and the 2018 Kerala Floods. He delivered this message during his keynote address on "Natural Hazards, Disaster Management, and Resilient Society" at the ongoing Five-day National Level Workshop on India’s National Security and Disaster Management, organised by the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the Central University of Kerala.

In his address, Commodore Anil Jose Joseph emphasized the difficulty in distinguishing between natural and man-made hazards, noting that disasters can result from both types. He described disasters as events that cause significant damage, disrupt ecosystems, and result in loss of life or deterioration of health services, necessitating extraordinary responses from outside the affected community.

He pointed out that animals often sense impending natural calamities better than humans, despite all our scientific advancements. He stressed the importance of preparedness, which involves activities like emergency planning, training, and early warning systems, as well as response activities during disasters, such as public warnings, emergency operations, and search and rescue efforts.

Reflecting on past disasters, Commodore Anil Jose Joseph shared insights from his involvement in disaster management during the 2004 Tsunami and the 2018 Kerala Floods. He noted that although India has made progress, there is still a long way to go in developing a culture of safety. He highlighted that during Cyclone Ockhi, the fishing community in Kerala played a crucial role by extending assistance to agencies involved in disaster management.

The session was chaired by Prof. R. Suresh, Head, Department of International Relations and Politics & Director, Centre for Defence and Security Studies. Dr. Reinhart Philip, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the workshop welcomed the audience, and Dr. Dabashish Das, Assistant Professor, extended the vote of thanks.