Arshad Farooq
Baramulla, Feb 18: Itinderpal Singh Bali, a renowned dental surgeon from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, has been conferred with the prestigious State Award for Social Reforms and Empowerment by the J&K government on Republic Day.
Widely known as the ‘First Aid Man of Kashmir,’ Bali has dedicated his life to training volunteers in disaster response and first aid.
In an exclusive conversation, Bali expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in a disaster-prone region like Kashmir.
“As a Division Warden of Baramulla district, I have been training volunteers for years. Our goal has always been to equip as many people as possible with first aid skills, especially since Kashmir frequently experiences accidents and disasters,” he said.
Bali credited organizations like the Red Cross and Civil Defense for their support in his training journey. Over the years, he has conducted workshops at Kashmir University, the Institute of Management, Public Administration & Rural Development (IMPA), and various government departments. He has also collaborated with the Disaster Management Cell to train volunteers across the Valley.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bali played a key role in supporting medical teams at quarantine centers, assisting with screenings and transportation. His efforts were recognized by local authorities, with the Deputy Commissioner entrusting him with crucial responsibilities during the crisis.
Beyond Kashmir, Bali has made a mark at the national and international levels. As a National Master Trainer, he has conducted training programs across India and worked with UN organizations on emergency health response.
“Representing India on international platforms has been a moment of pride. During discussions on pre-hospital first aid, I realized that India is doing exceptionally well in this field, comparable to global standards,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Bali aims to expand his training initiatives to the panchayat level. “My vision is to train task forces in every district and panchayat so that in case of a disaster, local volunteers can immediately respond before SDRF teams arrive. Properly trained local teams can save countless lives,” he said.
With nearly two decades of voluntary service, Bali continues to inspire a new generation of first responders, reinforcing the critical role of community-led disaster preparedness in Kashmir.
