Srinagar: Itinderpal Singh Bali, a practising dental surgeon from Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, has brought laurels for his community services.
Known as the ‘first aid man of Kashmir’ Bali, 51, was conferred with the prestigious State award for social reforms and empowerment which were announced by J&K government on the eve of Republic Day. J&K government honoured 53 individuals in bravery, literature, performing arts, social reforms, public service, sports, media, and lifetime achievements.
Bali is a National Master trainer with the Indian Red Cross Society, Delhi, bringing extensive expertise and experience in first aid and emergency response. Over the years, he has trained thousands of volunteers across India in first aid and public health management during emergencies.
In Jammu and Kashmir he has been actively involved with Civil Defence, the State Red Cross, and the IRCS. He has also collaborated with various UN organizations and NGOs. His contributions during major natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have been invaluable, showcasing his dedication to humanitarian efforts and disaster response.
He also represented India in pre-hospital and first aid workshop at Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
“My journey started with the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, while listening to noted Gandhian Nirmala Deshpande, I got motivated to work and we did some activities at that time,” Bali said. “Later I used to give training to people of life-saving skill.”
Bali said that he was made a professional trainer by an organization in Pune.
“And today, I am the national master trainer of Red Cross in Delhi, and I do a lot of training with other organizations, not only for life-saving, but also for reproductive health in emergencies, public health in emergencies, hospital preparedness and mental health trainings,” he added.
Bali said first aid training is very important for every individual as accidents can happen anywhere and with anyone.
“If we are trained in first aid, we save many lives,” he added.
