An inauguration program for the Online Certificate Course on Disaster Risk Reduction Management was organized by the Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation of the University, in collaboration with the India Japan Lab, Keio University, Japan. During the programme, a book titled “Fear of Lightning, Safety, and Disaster Risk Reduction” (An Awareness Initiative in Bengali) was also released. The program took place on January 6, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Board Room of Loyola Tirtha on the University campus.

Participants and Resource persons of the course Disaster Risk Reduction Management.

An inauguration programme for the two credit online Certificate Course on Disaster Risk Reduction Management was organized by the Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation of the University, in collaboration with the India Japan Lab, Keio University, Japan on Monday, January 6, 2025 in presence of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor and Dr. Rajib Shaw, Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, and Director, India Japan Lab, Keio University, Japan, the chief guest of the university.

The programme commenced with a warm welcome extended to the guests and participants by Dr. Soma Sur, the Honorary Director of LCERI. The inaugural address was delivered by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. followed by the book release titled “Fear of Lightning, Safety, and Disaster Risk Reduction” (An Awareness Initiative in Bengali). In his inaugural address, Fr. Vice Chancellor informed about the naming of the university's research center after Jesuit Father Eugine Lafont, a renowned scientist, honoring his 1867 disaster prediction, saving many lives. He stressed the importance of modern disaster management awareness to reduce risks. Dr. Rajib Shaw in his lecture, provided an insightful overview of disaster risk reduction. He covered key topics, including basic terminologies and fundamental concepts, an understanding of the global risk landscape, and the essentials of risk reduction.

Thirty-seven participants including govt. officials, students, scholars, and social workers have registered for this course.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where participants shared their real-life experiences in disaster management and articulated their expectations from the online course.

Dr. Soma Sur

Hony. Director, LCERI