Mhow, Renowned military strategist and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) delivered a compelling guest lecture titled “Disaster Risk Management as Subset of India’s National Security” to officers attending the prestigious Higher Command Course at the Army War College (AWC) here today.
The session, described as “engrossing” by the Army War College’s official account, highlighted the evolving role of India’s armed forces in disaster preparedness and response. Lt Gen Hasnain emphasized that effective disaster risk management must be integrated into the broader framework of national security, given India’s vulnerability to natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and landslides.
Proactive involvement of the armed forces in disaster scenarios and the critical need for enhanced military-civil fusion Lt Gen Hasnain stressed that seamless coordination between military units, civil administration, state disaster response forces, and national agencies forms the bedrock of efficient disaster response and long-term mitigation strategies.
The lecture comes at a time when India continues to strengthen its disaster resilience mechanisms. Lt Gen Hasnain, a highly decorated former General Officer Commanding of the 15 Corps and a prolific commentator on strategic affairs, has been actively advocating for proactive measures in disaster management. His recent contributions include inaugural addresses at events like the Western Command Disaster Management Conclave in collaboration with NDMA, where he called for frequent mock drills, joint training, and unified command structures to shift from reactive relief to proactive resilience.
The Higher Command Course at AWC, one of India’s premier institutions for senior military officers, equips participants with advanced strategic thinking and leadership skills essential for higher command responsibilities. Lt Gen Hasnain’s address provided valuable insights into how disaster risk reduction aligns with national defense priorities, particularly in an era of multi-domain threats that include non-traditional security challenges.
The event was shared by the Army War College on social media, accompanied by photographs capturing the interactive session and the distinguished speaker’s engagement with the course participants.
This lecture underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to contributing beyond conventional warfare, reinforcing its role as a reliable first responder and partner in building a disaster-resilient nation.
