from Divvy Kant Upadhyay, Manipal
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 14: Geographical boundaries ceased to exist in Manipal as AMDA, an international NGO based in Japan, brought together disaster management experts from India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Inaugurating the International Conference on Emergency Relief Activities in SAARC Countries, founder president of AMDA (Association of Medical Doctors of Asia) Dr Shigeru Suganami said that it is only through multilateral friendships and partnerships between its countries that Asia as a continent, could overcome the enormous diversity of cultures, religions and races in it.

Recollecting one of the meetings of the UNESCO in which he was present, Dr Shigeru said it was a lot easier for Europe and North America to understand each other, as they have a lot in common. But,in Asia with countries from diverse backgrounds, it is only mutual co-operation and understanding that could lead to fostering good ties which are vital in times of disaster and emergency relief activity, he stressed.

AMDA is an international NGO based in Okayama Japan since 1984 and is affiliated to the UN Economic and Social Council (UNESCO). It provides emergency relief to disaster affected areas and also implements social development programmes in 50 countries around the world in association with World Health Organization , United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees  and World Food Programme.

Manipal University Registrar (International  Programmes) and Director- Planning Dr H Vinod Bhat in his welcome address, threw light on the projects jointly undertaken by Manipal and AMDA during the Tsunami in India and Sri Lanka, the earthquake at Bhuj and Latoor  in India and more recently, the devastating floods in Bihar. A public health expert himself , Dr Bhat emphasized on the role that such partnerships and NGOs could play in peace-time development of backward areas which are prone to natural disasters. "We would desire to go beyond human misery and support normal lives even in the absence of disasters" he said.

Presiding over the conference, Pro Chancellor of Manipal University Dr H S Ballal, quoting Swami Vivekananda,  said that it would be pointless leading a life in which one could not be of help to the less fortunate brethren in the society. He opined.  "in the present day world, physical boundaries are irrelevant and thanks to technology, the world has become a global village. Thus it is imperative to look at disaster relief awareness and management from the 'world' perspective."

Vice Chancellor of Japan's Okayama University, Prof Hiroyuki Doi also spoke on the occasion and stressed upon the need to  establishing academic ties with Manipal University. Chairperson of AMDA-India Dr MS Kamath (Ayurveda) and local chapter president Dr KR Bhat from Udipi were also present at the inauguration of the conference, which is being jointly organised by AMDA Intl, Manipal University and Japan's Okyama University. Dr R C Kamath from Manipal University is incharge of organisational activities at the conference.

In the opening session, Dr Roderico Ofrin, former VC of Philippines Open University and presently Regional Officer for South East Asian Countries at the WHO – Delhi spoke on the issue of Emergency and Humanitarian Action (EHA).