Founder’s Message

Dr. S. Ananda Babu, PhD

Founder President & Convener
DMICS – WCDM

                I carry a deep sense of pride and gratitude as I reect on the journey of the Disaster Management Initiatives and Convergence Society (DMICS) 
                since its inception in 2005. Following the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, 
                I felt a deep responsibility to contribute to strengthening our collective understanding of disaster risks and building a safer, 
                more resilient society. DMICS emerged from that conviction with a deeply human purpose: to awaken the collective conscience to the 
                escalating risks and impacts of disasters,and to catalyse meaningful, sustained action to address them.            

                
               From the very beginning, DMICS has been guided by the belief that disaster risk reduction is not merely a technical endeavour, 
               but a moral and civilizational imperative. Disasters strike at the core of human security, dignity, and development. They expose vulnerabilities 
               not only in our infrastructure, but also in our systems of governance, social cohesion, and environmental stewardship. Recognizing this, DMICS 
               has worked tirelessly over the past two decades to foster a culture of preparedness, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in disaster management 
               through meaningful convergence across sectors and disciplines.
            

                Our flagship initiative, the World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM), stands as a testament to this commitment. Today, WCDM has emerged as one of 
                the most inuential global platforms outside the UN system, bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities to engage in rigorous 
                dialogue, exchange best practices, and co-create resilient futures. The Congress has grown in scale, impact, and stature, drawing participation from Heads of 
                State, Scientists, Academicians, Corporate Leaders, International Agencies, Civil Societies, Professionals, Practitioners, and Policymakers from across the world. 
                The WCDMs have catalysed cutting-edge research, leading to the publication of numerous inuential papers and book chapters in prestigious international publications 
                such as Springer, Macmillan Education, Taylor & Francis, and Routledge, further strengthening the Congresss role in advancing global disaster management knowledge
            

                
               Over the years, DMICS has successfully organized six editions of the World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management 
               Authority (NDMA) and various National, Regional, and International Stakeholders. Today, WCDM is recognized as one of the worlds largest recurring platforms on Disaster 
               Risk Reduction (DRR) outside the UN system, fostering global dialogue, knowledge exchange, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
            

                The first WCDM, held in 2008 in Hyderabad, was inaugurated by Honble Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, along with Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, 
                the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. The keynote address was delivered by Gen. N. C. Vij, Vice-Chairman of NDMA. These events brought together delegates 
                from national governments, UN organizations, scientic institutions, academia, civil society, and the private sector, setting a strong precedent for collaborative 
                disaster management discourse in India and beyond.
            

                
               Across six consecutive editions, the World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) has been graced by eminent leaders and policymakers, including Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, 
               Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Shri Rajnath Singh, Ms. Mami Mizutori (UNDRR, Geneva), Shri G.Kishan Reddy, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Shri Kiren Rijiju, 
               among others. Their presence reects the high-level commitment and policy signicance that WCDM commands in advancing Indias disaster resilience and risk governance agenda.
            

              In 2022, DMICS took a signicant step toward recognizing leadership and innovation in the disaster risk reduction (DRR) landscape by instituting the WCDM-DRR Awards. 
              These awards honour outstanding individuals and institutions that have made exemplary contributions to strengthening Indias disaster resilience and climate preparedness. The 
              maiden awards ceremony, held on 22 June 2022, was graced by Honourable Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Honble Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Development of the North Eastern Region, 
              Government of India, setting a strong precedent in advancing India toward a more disaster-resilient future.
            

                The most recent WCDM-DRR Awards ceremony, held in January 2025, was graced by Honourable Shri Piyush Goyal, Honble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, 
                underscoring the importance of advancing resilience through evidence-based practice, innovation, and community-centred action. Justice Shri M. M. Kumar, Former Chief Justice 
                of Jammu & Kashmir, and Shri Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education,Government of India,graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.            

             At DMICS, we remain committed to our mission: To promote the integration of science, policy, and practice to create a safer,more resilient world. We will continue to provide a 
             platform for knowledge dissemination, encourage innovative thinking, and recognize the invaluable contributions of those who stand at the frontlines of disaster risk reduction.
            

             Challenges have marked the journey, yet it has been profoundly rewarding. We have strived to foster awareness, nurture a culture of safety, and empower communities and institutions to safeguard lives and livelihoods. As we look to the future, 
             I envision DMICS continuing to catalyse transformative change, strengthening resilience, inspiring action, and building a safer world for generations to come.            

           I take this opportunity to thank all our partners, supporters, and participants who have stood with us in this vital cause.With humility and hope,we renew our pledge to align our efforts with the Ten Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 
           as envisioned by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, and to work relentlessly for the safety, dignity, and well-being of all. Together, let us build a world that is not only disaster-aware but disaster-prepared.
            