Bhopal Disaster – a Personal Experience
J. K. Gehlawat (Former Professor, IIT Kanpur)
248, Ram Krishna Vihar, 29, I.P. Extension, Delhi – 110092, India
gehlawat@hotmail.com
Abstract
Bhopal Tragedy was the worst industrial accident in the world where several thousand persons lost their lives. It occurred at the Union Carbide plant located inside the city of Bhopal and close to the railway station, at midnight of December 2-3, 1984 due to the leakage of a MIC gas which took the local sleeping and floating population unawares.
This paper describes the experience of a transit passenger who reached the Bhopal Railway Station by train at about the same time when the deadly gas leakage occurred.
Introduction
Safety in the operations of chemical plants, where toxic gaseous substances are handled, is of prime importance. Safety aspects begin right at the stage of designing a chemical plant. Foolproof construction and meticulous drills for the prevention of any accident during operations of the plant are mandatory. I had an opportunity of working at the pilot plants of a leading chemical production unit at Bombay where gas-liquid reactions involving toxic gases like ammonia, chlorine and sulpherdioxide were carried out. I was well familiar with the safety programmes and training.
I had personally known the Site-Chief at the Bhopal Plant of Union Carbide, Dr. Roy Choudhary and their Regional Marketing Manager at Delhi, Dr. U. V. Singh. Hence, I was aware of the activities at the Bhopal plant and that methyl isocyanate (MIC), a toxic reactant, was stored in underground storage tanks in tonnage quantity.
I was working as a consultant to a new project at Indore which is about 160 km from Bhopal by road. I used to visit this client once in a month. I was on my way to Indore when my train from Kanpur reached Bhopal at about mid-night of December 2-3, 1984 when the deadly gas leakage had occurred at the Union Carbide plant. The factory was situated in a thickly populated locality at a distance of about 1 km from the railway station. Fig. 1 shows the plant location and the gas affected areas of the town. Other details including compensation paid upto July 19, 2004 are shown in Fig. 2.
A Frightening Personal Experience
My train reached Bhopal railway station amidst great chaos due to the leakage and heavy spread of the nasty pungent toxic gas in the atmosphere. There was no coolie (baggage handler), no taxi, no one to tell what had happened-except the cry all around among suffocation and burning eyes owing to exposure to the toxic gas. On another occasion I would have taken a taxi and gone straight to Indore, my destination. But on that fateful night I had to walk down with baggage to Hotel Bharati located at a distance of about 350 meters from the railway station across a flyover. I decided to go there because the owner of the Hotel was from Kanpur and known to me. It was a horrifying experience to walk down the distance upto the Hotel since the heavy cloud of the pungent gas not only affected the respiratory system adversely due to inhalation but my eyes also became sore and red like it happens with a tear gas. I felt a bit comfortable on reaching the hotel. It is a three-storey high but small hotel.
There were about 20 occupants. As pointed out earlier in the text, I had worked in a chemical plant where toxic chemicals were handled. As a chemical engineer and as a teacher I knew that many gaseous reactants are highly soluble in water. Most are heavier than air and that on a chilly midnight the concentration of the toxic MIC would be much higher at the ground level than on the upper floors. Hence, I advised the hotel occupants: (i) to shift to the top floor, (ii) to close all the windows, (iii) to switch on the ceiling fans and exhaust fans, (iv) to breath through wet napkins and (v) to wash eyes with water as frequently as possible. I asked the Hotel Manager to given milk to all. Milk works as an antidote in such situations because casein and other constituents of milk work as adsorbents for the toxic substances and minimize their residual effects on the body systems, particularly their passage into the blood stream.
We struggled through out the night and suffered a lot inspite of the above precautions. It was at about 4.0 a.m. that the intensity of the gas started decreasing. By 5.0 a.m., it appeared to be nearly normal when I called my client at Indore and informed him about the ordeal at Bhopal. I told him that I shall leave for Indore by the first available vehicle. I requested him to locate a good physician and an eye surgeon at the medical college at Indore for my medical check-up and treatment.
I checked out of the hotel at about 6.30 a.m. and walked down to the nearby taxi-cum-bus stand. I was pleasantly surprised to find the situation at the bus stand nearly normal. There were many more passengers who must be stranded at Bhopal like me. I boarded a Luxury bus for Indore and reached there by 11.00 A.M. At Indore I checked into a hotel and learnt by news from the All India Radio that a lot of people had died in Bhopal that night due to the gas tragedy. It was also reported that most deaths occurred on the roads. These were mostly the poor people, who tried to run away on foot and collapsed on the roads due to excessive inhalation of the toxic gas. Those who remained in-doors, including the plant personnel at the site of the gas leakage, survived, though many may have taken ill or suffered from gas exposure and died during later years due to lack of proper diagnosis or treatment.
My client at Indore had contacted an eye surgeon at the Medical College, Dr. Nahta. I was under his treatment for a few days and returned to Kanpur feeling nearly normal.
Negative Compensation for Claim
I was among the six hundred and fifty thousand persons who filed their claims for compensation. Documentation and Medical Examination occurred at Bhopal more than once. A bronchial attack on my lungs and on-set of cataract in both the eyes were noticed as after-effects of the exposure to MIC. Another half a dozen visits to Bhopal took place for the judicial proceedings. The claim was settled during 1997 with a payment of Rs. 35,000/- (about 800 US Dollars). It virtually meant a negative compensation since much more money had been spent by me during this period on medication and frequent travels to Bhopal for documentation and judicial proceedings.
Concluding Remarks
Like several other travelers, my presence at Bhopal at the time of the gas tragedy was merely accidental. I escaped major suffering due to prior knowledge of toxic chemicals and on account of simple precautions as described earlier in the text. A much larger section of the local population was badly affected. As per confirmed reports about three thousand persons died (mostly on the roads) on that fateful night. Several thousand suffered from moderate to serious illness-most of it persistent and irreversible owing to exposure to the toxic gas and died in later years due to lack of proper treatment. Over twenty thousand persons are reported to have died till date. Pregnant women have had miscarriages and given births to deformed babies. Thousands lost their eyesight. The aged and the children continue to suffer. As for the compensation: payments of Rs. one to two hundred thousand (2500-5000 US dollars) to the families of the dead and Rs. 25,000 to 35,000 (600-800 US dollars) to me and others, after 10-15 year's of claim proceedings are very meager sums.
Prevention is better than cure. Stringent inbuilt safety norms in plant design, location of hazardous plants away from the habitation, vigilant plant operations, frequent mock drills to continually test the safety systems for its proper functioning and operators’ preparedness are needed to move towards zero accident rate in industrial practice. It is a great challenge to the plant engineers and planners but surely worth the effort.
Fig. 2: Relief for Bhopal Gas Victims
• Wards in Bhopal Municipal Corporation (1984) – 56
• Gas affected wards – 36
• Estimated Population of Bhopal Municipal Corporation (1984) – 8, 94, 539
• Estimated Population of the 36 gas affected wards – 5, 59, 835
Night of Dec. 2-3, 1984
• Methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from Union Carbide factory as Bhopal slept
• Immediate toll stood at over 3000 with thousands impaired in various degrees. Toll continued to mount over the coming years
• Union Carbide deposited US$ 470 million with Reserve Bank of India in settlement of claims in Feb. 1989.
• Over the years part of the money distributed to victims, but a large amount is held up due to legal complications
July 19, 2004
• Supreme Court orders the full amount, which has grown to Rs. 1,503 crores with interest, to be released to victims.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Fire
TIPS ON FIRE ACCIDENTS
a) High-Rise Fires:
Calmly leave the apartment, closing the door behind you. Remember the keys!
Pull the fire alarm near the closest exit, if available, or raise an alarm by warning others.
Leave the building by the stairs.
Never take the elevator during fire!
If the exit is blocked by smoke or fire:
Leave the door closed but do not lock it.
To keep the smoke out, put a wet towel in the space at the bottom of the door.
Call the emergency fire service number and tell them your apartment number and let them know you are trapped by smoke and fire. It is important that you listen and do what they tell you.
Stay calm and wait for someone to rescue you.
If there is a fire alarm in your building which goes off:
Before you open the door, feel the door by using the back of our hand. If the door is hot or warm, do not open the door.
If the door is cool, open it just a little to check the hallway. If you see smoke in the hallway, do not leave.
If there is no smoke in the hallway, leave and close the door. Go directly to the stairs to leave. Never use the elevator.
If smoke is in your apartment:
Stay low to the floor under the smoke.
Call the Fire Emergency Number which should be pasted near your telephone along with police and other emergency services and let them know that you are trapped by smoke.
If you have a balcony and there is no fire below it, go out.
If there is fire below, go out to the window. DO NOT OPEN THE WINDOW but stay near the window.
If there is no fire below, go to the window and open it. Stay near the open window.
Hang a bed sheet, towel or blanket out of the window to let people know that you are there and need help.
Be calm and wait for someone to rescue you.
A) A) Kitchen Fires:
It is important to know what kind of stove or cooking oven you have in your home – gas, electric, kerosene or where firewood is used. The stove is the No. 1 cause of fire hazards in your kitchen and can cause fires, which may destroy the entire house, especially in rural areas where there are thatched roof or other inflammable materials like straw kept near the kitchen. For electric and gas stoves ensure that the switch or the gas valve is switched off/turned off immediately after the cooking is over. An electric burner remains hot and until it cools off, it can be very dangerous. The oven using wood can be dangerous because burning embers remain. When lighting the fire on a wooden fuel oven, keep a cover on the top while lighting the oven so that sparks do not fly to the thatched roof. After the cooking is over, ensure that the remaining fire is extinguished off by sprinkling water if no adult remains in the kitchen after the cooking. Do not keep any inflammable article like kerosene near the kitchen fire.
Important Do’s in the Kitchen:
· Do have an adult always present when cooking is going on the kitchen. Children should not be allowed alone.
· Do keep hair tied back and do not wear synthetic clothes when you are cooking.
· Do make sure that the curtains on the window near the stove are tied back and will not blow on to the flame or burner.
· Do check to make sure that the gas burner is turned off immediately if the fire is not ignited and also switched off immediately after cooking.
· Do turn panhandles to the centre of the stove and put them out of touch of the children in the house.
· Do ensure that the floor is always dry so that you do not slip and fall on the fire.
· Do keep matches out of the reach of children.
Important Don’ts
· Don’t put towels, or dishrags near a stove burner.
· Don’t wear loose fitting clothes when you cook, and don’t reach across the top of the stove when you are cooking.
· Don’t put things in the cabinets or shelves above the stove. Young children may try to reach them and accidentally start the burners, start a fire, catch on fire.
· Don’t store spray cans or cans carrying inflammable items near the stove.
· Don’t let small children near an open oven door. They can be burnt by the heat or by falling onto the door or into the oven.
· Don’t lean against the stove to keep warm.
· Don’t use towels as potholders. They may catch on fire.
· Don’t overload an electrical outlet with several appliances or extension cords. The cords or plugs may overheat and cause a fire.
· Don’t use water to put out a grease fire. ONLY use baking soda, salt, or a tight lid. Always keep a box of baking soda near the stove.
· Don’t use radios or other small appliances (mixers, blenders) near the sink.
a) High-Rise Fires:
Calmly leave the apartment, closing the door behind you. Remember the keys!
Pull the fire alarm near the closest exit, if available, or raise an alarm by warning others.
Leave the building by the stairs.
Never take the elevator during fire!
If the exit is blocked by smoke or fire:
Leave the door closed but do not lock it.
To keep the smoke out, put a wet towel in the space at the bottom of the door.
Call the emergency fire service number and tell them your apartment number and let them know you are trapped by smoke and fire. It is important that you listen and do what they tell you.
Stay calm and wait for someone to rescue you.
If there is a fire alarm in your building which goes off:
Before you open the door, feel the door by using the back of our hand. If the door is hot or warm, do not open the door.
If the door is cool, open it just a little to check the hallway. If you see smoke in the hallway, do not leave.
If there is no smoke in the hallway, leave and close the door. Go directly to the stairs to leave. Never use the elevator.
If smoke is in your apartment:
Stay low to the floor under the smoke.
Call the Fire Emergency Number which should be pasted near your telephone along with police and other emergency services and let them know that you are trapped by smoke.
If you have a balcony and there is no fire below it, go out.
If there is fire below, go out to the window. DO NOT OPEN THE WINDOW but stay near the window.
If there is no fire below, go to the window and open it. Stay near the open window.
Hang a bed sheet, towel or blanket out of the window to let people know that you are there and need help.
Be calm and wait for someone to rescue you.
A) A) Kitchen Fires:
It is important to know what kind of stove or cooking oven you have in your home – gas, electric, kerosene or where firewood is used. The stove is the No. 1 cause of fire hazards in your kitchen and can cause fires, which may destroy the entire house, especially in rural areas where there are thatched roof or other inflammable materials like straw kept near the kitchen. For electric and gas stoves ensure that the switch or the gas valve is switched off/turned off immediately after the cooking is over. An electric burner remains hot and until it cools off, it can be very dangerous. The oven using wood can be dangerous because burning embers remain. When lighting the fire on a wooden fuel oven, keep a cover on the top while lighting the oven so that sparks do not fly to the thatched roof. After the cooking is over, ensure that the remaining fire is extinguished off by sprinkling water if no adult remains in the kitchen after the cooking. Do not keep any inflammable article like kerosene near the kitchen fire.
Important Do’s in the Kitchen:
· Do have an adult always present when cooking is going on the kitchen. Children should not be allowed alone.
· Do keep hair tied back and do not wear synthetic clothes when you are cooking.
· Do make sure that the curtains on the window near the stove are tied back and will not blow on to the flame or burner.
· Do check to make sure that the gas burner is turned off immediately if the fire is not ignited and also switched off immediately after cooking.
· Do turn panhandles to the centre of the stove and put them out of touch of the children in the house.
· Do ensure that the floor is always dry so that you do not slip and fall on the fire.
· Do keep matches out of the reach of children.
Important Don’ts
· Don’t put towels, or dishrags near a stove burner.
· Don’t wear loose fitting clothes when you cook, and don’t reach across the top of the stove when you are cooking.
· Don’t put things in the cabinets or shelves above the stove. Young children may try to reach them and accidentally start the burners, start a fire, catch on fire.
· Don’t store spray cans or cans carrying inflammable items near the stove.
· Don’t let small children near an open oven door. They can be burnt by the heat or by falling onto the door or into the oven.
· Don’t lean against the stove to keep warm.
· Don’t use towels as potholders. They may catch on fire.
· Don’t overload an electrical outlet with several appliances or extension cords. The cords or plugs may overheat and cause a fire.
· Don’t use water to put out a grease fire. ONLY use baking soda, salt, or a tight lid. Always keep a box of baking soda near the stove.
· Don’t use radios or other small appliances (mixers, blenders) near the sink.
Floods
FLOODS
SAFETY TIPS
This guide lists simple things you and your family can do to stay safe and protect your property from floods.
Before flooding occurs.
All your family members should know the safe route to nearest shelter/ raised pucca house.
If your area is flood-prone, consider alternative building materials. Mud walls are more likely to be damaged during floods. You may consider making houses where the walls are made of local bricks up to the highest known flood level with cement pointing.
Have an emergency kit on hand which includes a:
A portable radio, torch and spare batteries;
Stocks of fresh water, dry food (chura, mudi, gur, biscuits), kerosene, candle and matchboxes;
Waterproof or polythene bags for clothing and valuables, an umbrella and bamboo stick (to protect from snake), salt and sugar.
A first aid kit, manual and strong ropes for tying things
When you hear a flood warning or if flooding appears likely
Tune to your local radio/TV for warnings and advice.
Keep vigil on flood warning given by local authorities
Don’t give any importance to rumours and don’t panic
Keep dry food, drinking water and clothes ready
Prepare to take bullock carts, other agricultural equipments, and domestic animals to safer places or to higher locations.
Plan which indoor items you will raise or empty if water threatens to enter your house
Check your emergency kit
During floods
Drink boiled water.
Keep your food covered, don’t take heavy meals.
Use raw tea, rice-water, tender coconut-water, etc. during diarrhoea; contact your ANM/AWW for ORS and treatment.
Do not let children remain on empty stomach.
Use bleaching powder and lime to disinfect the surrounding.
Help the officials/volunteers distributing relief materials.
If you need to evacuate
Firstly pack warm clothing, essential medication, valuables, personal papers, etc. in waterproof bags, to be taken with your emergency kit.
Take the emergency kit
Inform the local volunteers (if available), the address of the place you are evacuating to.
Raise furniture, clothing and valuables onto beds, tables and to the top of the roof (electrical items highest).
Turn off power.
Whether you leave or stay, put sandbags in the toilet bowl and over all laundry / bathroom drain-holes to prevent sewage back-flow.
Lock your home and take recommended/known evacuation routes for your area.
Do not get into water of unknown depth and current.
If you stay or on your return
· Stay tuned to local radio for updated advice.
· Do not allow children to play in, or near, flood waters.
· Avoid entering floodwaters. If you must, wear proper protection for your feet and check depth and current with a stick. Stay away from drains, culverts and water over knee-deep.
· Do not use electrical appliances, which have been in floodwater until checked for safety.
· Do not eat food, which has been in floodwaters.
· Boil tap water (in cities) until supplies have been declared safe. In case of rural areas, store tube well water in plastic jars or use halogen tablets before drinking.
· Be careful of snakes, snakebites are common during floods.
SAFETY TIPS
This guide lists simple things you and your family can do to stay safe and protect your property from floods.
Before flooding occurs.
All your family members should know the safe route to nearest shelter/ raised pucca house.
If your area is flood-prone, consider alternative building materials. Mud walls are more likely to be damaged during floods. You may consider making houses where the walls are made of local bricks up to the highest known flood level with cement pointing.
Have an emergency kit on hand which includes a:
A portable radio, torch and spare batteries;
Stocks of fresh water, dry food (chura, mudi, gur, biscuits), kerosene, candle and matchboxes;
Waterproof or polythene bags for clothing and valuables, an umbrella and bamboo stick (to protect from snake), salt and sugar.
A first aid kit, manual and strong ropes for tying things
When you hear a flood warning or if flooding appears likely
Tune to your local radio/TV for warnings and advice.
Keep vigil on flood warning given by local authorities
Don’t give any importance to rumours and don’t panic
Keep dry food, drinking water and clothes ready
Prepare to take bullock carts, other agricultural equipments, and domestic animals to safer places or to higher locations.
Plan which indoor items you will raise or empty if water threatens to enter your house
Check your emergency kit
During floods
Drink boiled water.
Keep your food covered, don’t take heavy meals.
Use raw tea, rice-water, tender coconut-water, etc. during diarrhoea; contact your ANM/AWW for ORS and treatment.
Do not let children remain on empty stomach.
Use bleaching powder and lime to disinfect the surrounding.
Help the officials/volunteers distributing relief materials.
If you need to evacuate
Firstly pack warm clothing, essential medication, valuables, personal papers, etc. in waterproof bags, to be taken with your emergency kit.
Take the emergency kit
Inform the local volunteers (if available), the address of the place you are evacuating to.
Raise furniture, clothing and valuables onto beds, tables and to the top of the roof (electrical items highest).
Turn off power.
Whether you leave or stay, put sandbags in the toilet bowl and over all laundry / bathroom drain-holes to prevent sewage back-flow.
Lock your home and take recommended/known evacuation routes for your area.
Do not get into water of unknown depth and current.
If you stay or on your return
· Stay tuned to local radio for updated advice.
· Do not allow children to play in, or near, flood waters.
· Avoid entering floodwaters. If you must, wear proper protection for your feet and check depth and current with a stick. Stay away from drains, culverts and water over knee-deep.
· Do not use electrical appliances, which have been in floodwater until checked for safety.
· Do not eat food, which has been in floodwaters.
· Boil tap water (in cities) until supplies have been declared safe. In case of rural areas, store tube well water in plastic jars or use halogen tablets before drinking.
· Be careful of snakes, snakebites are common during floods.
Cyclone
CYCLONE
SAFETY TIPS
Before the Cyclone Season
Keep watch on weather and listen to radio or TV. Keep alert about the community warning systems – loudspeakers, bells, conches, drums or any traditional warning system.
Get to know the nearest cyclone shelter / safe houses and the safest route to reach these shelters.
Do not listen to rumours.
Prepare an emergency kit containing:
A portable radio, torch and spare batteries;
Stocks dry food – Chura, Chhatua, Mudhi, gur, etc.
Matches, fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking utensils, waterproof bags
A first aid kit, manual, etc.
Katuri, pliers, small saw, axe and plastic rope
Check the roof and cover it with net or bamboo. Check the walls, pillars, doors and windows to see if they are secure. If not, repair those at the earliest. In case of tin roofs, check the condition of the tin and repair the loose points. Cover the mud walls with polythene or coconut leaves mats or straw mats on a bamboo frame. Bind each corner of the roof with a plastic rope in case of thatched roof.
Trim dry tree branches, cut off the dead trees and clear the place/courtyard of all debris, including coconuts and tree branches.
Clear your property of loose materials that could blow about and cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
If your area is prone to storm surge, locate safe high ground or shelter.
Keep important documents, passbook, etc. in a tight plastic bag and take it along with your emergency kits if you are evacuating.
Identify the spot where you can dig holes to store food grains, seeds, etc. in polythene bags.
Keep a list of emergency addresses and phone numbers on display. Know the contact telephone number of the government offices /agencies, which are responsible for search, rescue and relief operations in your area.
If you are living in an area where CBDP exercises have taken place, ensure:
Vulnerability list and maps have been updated
Cyclone drill including search & rescue, first aid training have taken place
Stock of dry food, essential medicines and proper shelter materials maintained
Upon a cyclone warning
Store loose items inside. Put extra agricultural products/ stock like paddy in plastic bags and store it by digging up a hole in the ground, preferably at a higher elevation and then cover it properly. Fill bins and plastic jars with drinking water.
Keep clothing for protection, handy
Prepare a list of assets and belongings of your house and give information to volunteers and other authorities about your near and dear ones.
Fill fuel in your car/motorcycle and park it under a solid cover. Tie bullock carts, boats securely to strong posts in an area, which has a strong cover and away from trees. Fallen trees can smash boats and other assets.
Close shutters or nail all windows. Secure doors. Stay indoors, with pets.
Pack warm clothing, essential medications, valuables, papers, water, dry food and other valuables in waterproof bags, to be taken along with your emergency kit.
Listen to your local radio / TV, local community warning system for further information.
In case of warning of serious storm, move with your family to a strong pucca building. In case of warning of cyclones of severe intensity, evacuate the area with your family, precious items and documents and emergency kit. Take special care for children, elders, sick, pregnant women and lactating mothers in your family. Do not forget your emergency food stock, water and other emergency items. GO TO THE NEAREST CYCLONE SHELTER.
Do not venture into the sea for fishing.
On warning of local evacuation
Based on predicted wind speeds and storm surge heights, evacuation may be necessary. Official advice may be given on local radio / TV or other means of communication regarding safe routes and when to move.
Wear strong shoes or chappals and clothing for protection.
Lock your home, switch off power, gas, water, and take your emergency kit.
If evacuating to a distant place take valuable belonging, domestic animals, and leave early to avoid heavy traffic, flooding and wind hazards.
If evacuating to a local shelter or higher grounds carry the emergency kit and minimum essential materials.
When the cyclone strikes
Disconnect all electrical appliances and turn off gas.
If the building starts crumbling, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench or hold on to a solid fixture (e.g. a water pipe)
Listen to your transistor radio for updates and advice.
Beware of the calm `eye’. If the wind suddenly drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from the opposite direction. Wait for the official “all clear”.
If driving, stop – but well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines and watercourses. Stay in the vehicle.
After the cyclone
Do not go outside until officially advised it is safe.
Check for gas leaks. Do not use electric appliances, if wet.
Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
If you have to evacuate, or did so earlier, do not return until advised. Use a recommended route for returning and do not rush.
Be careful of snake bites and carry a stick or bamboo
Beware of fallen power lines, damaged bridges, buildings and trees, and do not enter the floodwaters.
Heed all warnings and do not go sightseeing.
SAFETY TIPS
Before the Cyclone Season
Keep watch on weather and listen to radio or TV. Keep alert about the community warning systems – loudspeakers, bells, conches, drums or any traditional warning system.
Get to know the nearest cyclone shelter / safe houses and the safest route to reach these shelters.
Do not listen to rumours.
Prepare an emergency kit containing:
A portable radio, torch and spare batteries;
Stocks dry food – Chura, Chhatua, Mudhi, gur, etc.
Matches, fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking utensils, waterproof bags
A first aid kit, manual, etc.
Katuri, pliers, small saw, axe and plastic rope
Check the roof and cover it with net or bamboo. Check the walls, pillars, doors and windows to see if they are secure. If not, repair those at the earliest. In case of tin roofs, check the condition of the tin and repair the loose points. Cover the mud walls with polythene or coconut leaves mats or straw mats on a bamboo frame. Bind each corner of the roof with a plastic rope in case of thatched roof.
Trim dry tree branches, cut off the dead trees and clear the place/courtyard of all debris, including coconuts and tree branches.
Clear your property of loose materials that could blow about and cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
If your area is prone to storm surge, locate safe high ground or shelter.
Keep important documents, passbook, etc. in a tight plastic bag and take it along with your emergency kits if you are evacuating.
Identify the spot where you can dig holes to store food grains, seeds, etc. in polythene bags.
Keep a list of emergency addresses and phone numbers on display. Know the contact telephone number of the government offices /agencies, which are responsible for search, rescue and relief operations in your area.
If you are living in an area where CBDP exercises have taken place, ensure:
Vulnerability list and maps have been updated
Cyclone drill including search & rescue, first aid training have taken place
Stock of dry food, essential medicines and proper shelter materials maintained
Upon a cyclone warning
Store loose items inside. Put extra agricultural products/ stock like paddy in plastic bags and store it by digging up a hole in the ground, preferably at a higher elevation and then cover it properly. Fill bins and plastic jars with drinking water.
Keep clothing for protection, handy
Prepare a list of assets and belongings of your house and give information to volunteers and other authorities about your near and dear ones.
Fill fuel in your car/motorcycle and park it under a solid cover. Tie bullock carts, boats securely to strong posts in an area, which has a strong cover and away from trees. Fallen trees can smash boats and other assets.
Close shutters or nail all windows. Secure doors. Stay indoors, with pets.
Pack warm clothing, essential medications, valuables, papers, water, dry food and other valuables in waterproof bags, to be taken along with your emergency kit.
Listen to your local radio / TV, local community warning system for further information.
In case of warning of serious storm, move with your family to a strong pucca building. In case of warning of cyclones of severe intensity, evacuate the area with your family, precious items and documents and emergency kit. Take special care for children, elders, sick, pregnant women and lactating mothers in your family. Do not forget your emergency food stock, water and other emergency items. GO TO THE NEAREST CYCLONE SHELTER.
Do not venture into the sea for fishing.
On warning of local evacuation
Based on predicted wind speeds and storm surge heights, evacuation may be necessary. Official advice may be given on local radio / TV or other means of communication regarding safe routes and when to move.
Wear strong shoes or chappals and clothing for protection.
Lock your home, switch off power, gas, water, and take your emergency kit.
If evacuating to a distant place take valuable belonging, domestic animals, and leave early to avoid heavy traffic, flooding and wind hazards.
If evacuating to a local shelter or higher grounds carry the emergency kit and minimum essential materials.
When the cyclone strikes
Disconnect all electrical appliances and turn off gas.
If the building starts crumbling, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench or hold on to a solid fixture (e.g. a water pipe)
Listen to your transistor radio for updates and advice.
Beware of the calm `eye’. If the wind suddenly drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from the opposite direction. Wait for the official “all clear”.
If driving, stop – but well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines and watercourses. Stay in the vehicle.
After the cyclone
Do not go outside until officially advised it is safe.
Check for gas leaks. Do not use electric appliances, if wet.
Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
If you have to evacuate, or did so earlier, do not return until advised. Use a recommended route for returning and do not rush.
Be careful of snake bites and carry a stick or bamboo
Beware of fallen power lines, damaged bridges, buildings and trees, and do not enter the floodwaters.
Heed all warnings and do not go sightseeing.
safety tips during and after earthquake
EARTHQUAKES
SAFETY TIPS
Earthquakes usually give no warning at all.
Prepare your family
Before the earthquake
Now is the time to formulate a safety plan for you and your family. If you wait until the earth starts to shake, it may be too late. Consider the following safety measures:
· Always keep the following in a designated place: bottled drinking water, non-perishable food (chura, gur, etc), first-aid kit, torchlight and battery-operated radio with extra batteries.
· Teach family members how to turn off electricity, gas, etc.
· Identify places in the house that can provide cover during an earthquake.
· It may be easier to make long distance calls during an earthquake. Identify an out-of-town relative or friend as your family’s emergency contact. If the family members get separated after the earthquake and are not able to contact each other, they should contact the designated relative/friend. The address and phone number of the contact person/relative should be with all the family members.
Safeguard your house
· Consider retrofitting your house with earthquake-safety measures. Reinforcing the foundation and frame could make your house quake resistant. You may consult a reputable contractor and follow building codes.
· Kutchha buildings can also be retrofitted and strengthened.
During quake
Earthquakes give no warning at all. Sometimes, a loud rumbling sound might signal its arrival a few seconds ahead of time. Those few seconds could give you a chance to move to a safer location. Here are some tips for keeping safe during a quake.
· Take cover. Go under a table or other sturdy furniture; kneel, sit, or stay close to the floor. Hold on to furniture legs for balance. Be prepared to move if your cover moves.
· If no sturdy cover is nearby, kneel or sit close to the floor next to a structurally sound interior wall. Place your hands on the floor for balance.
· Do not stand in doorways. Violent motion could cause doors to slam and cause serious injuries. You may also be hit be flying objects.
· Move away from windows, mirrors, bookcases and other unsecured heavy objects.
· If you are in bed, stay there and cover yourself with pillows and blankets
· Do not run outside if you are inside. Never use the lift.
· If you are living in a kutcha house, the best thing to do is to move to an open area where there are no trees, electric or telephone wires.
If outdoors:
· Move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
· If your home is badly damaged, you will have to leave. Collect water, food, medicine, other essential items and important documents before leaving.
· Avoid places where there are loose electrical wires and do not touch metal objects that are in touch with the loose wires.
· Do not re-enter damaged buildings and stay away from badly damaged structures.
If in a moving vehicle:
Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires, stop, and stay in the vehicle. Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.
After the quake
Here are a few things to keep in mind after an earthquake. The caution you display in the aftermath can be essential for your personal safety.
· Wear shoes/chappals to protect your feet from debris
· After the first tremor, be prepared for aftershocks. Though less intense, aftershocks cause additional damages and may bring down weakened structures. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
· Check for fire hazards and use torchlights instead of candles or lanterns.
· If the building you live in is in a good shape after the earthquake, stay inside and listen for radio advises. If you are not certain about the damage to your building, evacuate carefully. Do not touch downed power line.
· Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. In such cases, call for help.
· Remember to help your neighbours who may require special assistance-infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
· Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest emergency information.
· Stay out of damaged buildings.
· Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals. Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.
· If you smell gas or hear hissing noise, open windows and quickly leave the building. Turn off the switch on the top of the gas cylinder.
· Look for electrical system damages - if you see sparks, broken wires, or if you smell burning of amber, turn off electricity at the main fuse box. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box, call an electrician first for advice.
· Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets. If water pipes are damaged, avoid using water from the tap.
· Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
· In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. Ask an out of state / district relative or friend to serve as the “family contact”. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number(s) of the contact person (s).
SAFETY TIPS
Earthquakes usually give no warning at all.
Prepare your family
Before the earthquake
Now is the time to formulate a safety plan for you and your family. If you wait until the earth starts to shake, it may be too late. Consider the following safety measures:
· Always keep the following in a designated place: bottled drinking water, non-perishable food (chura, gur, etc), first-aid kit, torchlight and battery-operated radio with extra batteries.
· Teach family members how to turn off electricity, gas, etc.
· Identify places in the house that can provide cover during an earthquake.
· It may be easier to make long distance calls during an earthquake. Identify an out-of-town relative or friend as your family’s emergency contact. If the family members get separated after the earthquake and are not able to contact each other, they should contact the designated relative/friend. The address and phone number of the contact person/relative should be with all the family members.
Safeguard your house
· Consider retrofitting your house with earthquake-safety measures. Reinforcing the foundation and frame could make your house quake resistant. You may consult a reputable contractor and follow building codes.
· Kutchha buildings can also be retrofitted and strengthened.
During quake
Earthquakes give no warning at all. Sometimes, a loud rumbling sound might signal its arrival a few seconds ahead of time. Those few seconds could give you a chance to move to a safer location. Here are some tips for keeping safe during a quake.
· Take cover. Go under a table or other sturdy furniture; kneel, sit, or stay close to the floor. Hold on to furniture legs for balance. Be prepared to move if your cover moves.
· If no sturdy cover is nearby, kneel or sit close to the floor next to a structurally sound interior wall. Place your hands on the floor for balance.
· Do not stand in doorways. Violent motion could cause doors to slam and cause serious injuries. You may also be hit be flying objects.
· Move away from windows, mirrors, bookcases and other unsecured heavy objects.
· If you are in bed, stay there and cover yourself with pillows and blankets
· Do not run outside if you are inside. Never use the lift.
· If you are living in a kutcha house, the best thing to do is to move to an open area where there are no trees, electric or telephone wires.
If outdoors:
· Move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
· If your home is badly damaged, you will have to leave. Collect water, food, medicine, other essential items and important documents before leaving.
· Avoid places where there are loose electrical wires and do not touch metal objects that are in touch with the loose wires.
· Do not re-enter damaged buildings and stay away from badly damaged structures.
If in a moving vehicle:
Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires, stop, and stay in the vehicle. Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.
After the quake
Here are a few things to keep in mind after an earthquake. The caution you display in the aftermath can be essential for your personal safety.
· Wear shoes/chappals to protect your feet from debris
· After the first tremor, be prepared for aftershocks. Though less intense, aftershocks cause additional damages and may bring down weakened structures. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
· Check for fire hazards and use torchlights instead of candles or lanterns.
· If the building you live in is in a good shape after the earthquake, stay inside and listen for radio advises. If you are not certain about the damage to your building, evacuate carefully. Do not touch downed power line.
· Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. In such cases, call for help.
· Remember to help your neighbours who may require special assistance-infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
· Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest emergency information.
· Stay out of damaged buildings.
· Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals. Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.
· If you smell gas or hear hissing noise, open windows and quickly leave the building. Turn off the switch on the top of the gas cylinder.
· Look for electrical system damages - if you see sparks, broken wires, or if you smell burning of amber, turn off electricity at the main fuse box. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box, call an electrician first for advice.
· Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets. If water pipes are damaged, avoid using water from the tap.
· Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
· In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. Ask an out of state / district relative or friend to serve as the “family contact”. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number(s) of the contact person (s).
Types of disasters
TYPES OF DISASTER
Generally, disasters are of two types – Natural and Manmade. Based on the devastation, these are further classified into major/minor natural disaster and major/minor manmade disasters. Some of the disasters are listed below,
Major natural disasters:
· Flood
· Cyclone
· Drought
· Earthquake
Minor natural disasters:
· Cold wave
· Thunderstorms
· Heat waves
· Mud slides
· Storm
Major manmade disaster:
Setting of fires
Epidemic
Deforestation
Pollution due to prawn cultivation
Chemical pollution.
Wars
Minor manmade disaster:
· Road / train accidents, riots
· Food poisoning
· Industrial disaster/ crisis
· Environmental pollution
Generally, disasters are of two types – Natural and Manmade. Based on the devastation, these are further classified into major/minor natural disaster and major/minor manmade disasters. Some of the disasters are listed below,
Major natural disasters:
· Flood
· Cyclone
· Drought
· Earthquake
Minor natural disasters:
· Cold wave
· Thunderstorms
· Heat waves
· Mud slides
· Storm
Major manmade disaster:
Setting of fires
Epidemic
Deforestation
Pollution due to prawn cultivation
Chemical pollution.
Wars
Minor manmade disaster:
· Road / train accidents, riots
· Food poisoning
· Industrial disaster/ crisis
· Environmental pollution
Disaster
Disaster is a sudden, calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, and destruction and devastation to life and property. The damage caused by disasters is immeasurable and varies with the geographical location, climate and the type of the earth surface/degree of vulnerability. This influences the mental, socio-economic, political and cultural state of the affected area. Generally, disaster has the following effects in the concerned areas,
1. It completely disrupts the normal day to day life
2. It negatively influences the emergency systems
3. Normal needs and processes like food, shelter, health, etc. are affected and deteriorate depending on the intensity
and severity of the disaster.
It may also be termed as “a serious disruption of the functioning of society, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected society to cope using its own resources.”
Thus, a disaster may have the following main features:-
o Unpredictability
o Unfamiliarity
o Speed
o Urgency
o Uncertainty
o Threat
Thus, in simple terms we can define disaster as a hazard causing heavy loss to life, property and livelihood.
1. It completely disrupts the normal day to day life
2. It negatively influences the emergency systems
3. Normal needs and processes like food, shelter, health, etc. are affected and deteriorate depending on the intensity
and severity of the disaster.
It may also be termed as “a serious disruption of the functioning of society, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected society to cope using its own resources.”
Thus, a disaster may have the following main features:-
o Unpredictability
o Unfamiliarity
o Speed
o Urgency
o Uncertainty
o Threat
Thus, in simple terms we can define disaster as a hazard causing heavy loss to life, property and livelihood.
Life skills
According to WHO, life skills may be defined as “abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour, that
enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life” (World Health
Organization, 1997a, p. 1). “Every school should enable children and adolescents at all levels to learn
critical health and life skills…. Such education includes….comprehensive, integrated life-skills education
that can enable young people to make healthy choices and adopt healthy behaviour throughout their lives”
Core skills that are developed include
Decision-making: evaluating information and advice to make informed decisions; assessing the
advantages and disadvantages of different options; changing decisions to adapt to new situations;
setting goals; planning for the future.
• Problem solving.
• Creative thinking.
• Critical thinking: analyzing social and cultural influences on attitudes, values, and behavior;
questioning inequality, injustice, prejudice, and stigma; exploring and evaluating social roles,
rights, and responsibilities; evaluating risks.
• Effective communication.
• Interpersonal relationship skills.
• Self-awareness: identifying personal strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities; clarifying
personal values and beliefs; recognizing personal worth and personal happiness.
• Empathy.
• Coping with emotions.
• Coping with stress.
The additional areas in which a culturally sensitive approach is needed include:
• Goal setting.
• Assertiveness.
• Negotiation skills.
enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life” (World Health
Organization, 1997a, p. 1). “Every school should enable children and adolescents at all levels to learn
critical health and life skills…. Such education includes….comprehensive, integrated life-skills education
that can enable young people to make healthy choices and adopt healthy behaviour throughout their lives”
Core skills that are developed include
Decision-making: evaluating information and advice to make informed decisions; assessing the
advantages and disadvantages of different options; changing decisions to adapt to new situations;
setting goals; planning for the future.
• Problem solving.
• Creative thinking.
• Critical thinking: analyzing social and cultural influences on attitudes, values, and behavior;
questioning inequality, injustice, prejudice, and stigma; exploring and evaluating social roles,
rights, and responsibilities; evaluating risks.
• Effective communication.
• Interpersonal relationship skills.
• Self-awareness: identifying personal strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities; clarifying
personal values and beliefs; recognizing personal worth and personal happiness.
• Empathy.
• Coping with emotions.
• Coping with stress.
The additional areas in which a culturally sensitive approach is needed include:
• Goal setting.
• Assertiveness.
• Negotiation skills.
Core skills
Basic Skills
Basic skills are the essential abilities which we all acquire even during the early stages of our lives. But when these are honed, they become our weapons in facing any life situation. Everyone, with the inclusion of physically handicapped individuals, has the ability to speak, but not all of us can readily talk or converse. A good communicator is one who can easily express thoughts and opinions with fluency. But being able to talk and interact is not all that is needed. Since communication is a two-way process, one must also know how to be a good and active listener. Listening is a skill, particularly active listening. A person who has good listening skill does not just plainly listen, but is also able to respond appropriately.
There are people who are good at expressing their thoughts through writing. It takes skill to be an efficient writer. Just as you verbalize thoughts with sense and substance, the same goes for writing. Reading is not merely a typical human activity; it is also a skill. Uttering the words alone is not enough. One has to have the skill to comprehend what is being read. Some people do well with words and metaphors, others with numbers and figures. Mental calculation is something not everyone is capable of. You have to learn how to understand and apply number operations based from mathematical theories and formulas.
All aforementioned skills comprise the basic skills.
Thinking Skills
The second core skill is thinking skills. Intelligent individuals can easily get their way out of challenging and unique situations. People with good decision-making and problem-solving abilities make good leaders. Those with good logic and reasoning can easily win over debates, arguments, and conflicts. In the workplace, employees are encouraged to be critical thinkers especially when challenging situations arise. Furthermore, breakthroughs in technology and modern inventions are products of the creative thinking of skilled individuals.
Personal Qualities
As we mature, we should also enhance our potentials and make good use out of it. Confidence is an attribute not every person can boast of. Thus it is always necessary to take steps to build confidence in yourself. What are some personal qualities that can transform us into someone we have always hoped to become? A skilled individual is not just adept at talents and abilities but also possesses fundamental inner skills such self-esteem, integrity, responsibility, sociability, and credibility to be more effective and productive. It takes certain skills to be able to socialize and be at ease conversing with people from all walks of life, with all types of personalities. It takes skills to uphold truths and keep the value of honesty. And all the more that it takes skills to be responsible in everything you do. All these comprise the third core skill which is personal qualities, and the result of possessing such skills is personal effectiveness.
Basic skills are the essential abilities which we all acquire even during the early stages of our lives. But when these are honed, they become our weapons in facing any life situation. Everyone, with the inclusion of physically handicapped individuals, has the ability to speak, but not all of us can readily talk or converse. A good communicator is one who can easily express thoughts and opinions with fluency. But being able to talk and interact is not all that is needed. Since communication is a two-way process, one must also know how to be a good and active listener. Listening is a skill, particularly active listening. A person who has good listening skill does not just plainly listen, but is also able to respond appropriately.
There are people who are good at expressing their thoughts through writing. It takes skill to be an efficient writer. Just as you verbalize thoughts with sense and substance, the same goes for writing. Reading is not merely a typical human activity; it is also a skill. Uttering the words alone is not enough. One has to have the skill to comprehend what is being read. Some people do well with words and metaphors, others with numbers and figures. Mental calculation is something not everyone is capable of. You have to learn how to understand and apply number operations based from mathematical theories and formulas.
All aforementioned skills comprise the basic skills.
Thinking Skills
The second core skill is thinking skills. Intelligent individuals can easily get their way out of challenging and unique situations. People with good decision-making and problem-solving abilities make good leaders. Those with good logic and reasoning can easily win over debates, arguments, and conflicts. In the workplace, employees are encouraged to be critical thinkers especially when challenging situations arise. Furthermore, breakthroughs in technology and modern inventions are products of the creative thinking of skilled individuals.
Personal Qualities
As we mature, we should also enhance our potentials and make good use out of it. Confidence is an attribute not every person can boast of. Thus it is always necessary to take steps to build confidence in yourself. What are some personal qualities that can transform us into someone we have always hoped to become? A skilled individual is not just adept at talents and abilities but also possesses fundamental inner skills such self-esteem, integrity, responsibility, sociability, and credibility to be more effective and productive. It takes certain skills to be able to socialize and be at ease conversing with people from all walks of life, with all types of personalities. It takes skills to uphold truths and keep the value of honesty. And all the more that it takes skills to be responsible in everything you do. All these comprise the third core skill which is personal qualities, and the result of possessing such skills is personal effectiveness.
Problem solving
Problem solving is a natural part of life. In any business or industry, the ability of an employee to solve problems can mean the difference between success and failure. Lacking the ability to solve problems effectively can be a source of anxiety and stress for any individual. Problem solving is not an exact science, although there are guidelines that a person can follow to become a successful problem-solver.
Flexibility and open-mindedness is an essential part of being able to solve problems, whether it is in your personal life or on-the-job. Possessing advantageous problem solving skills requires a person to understand the problem, create a plan to solve the problem, seeing the plan through and reviewing the plan to ensure that the problem is solved and is not repeated. When a person has difficulty imagining a solution to a problem, it is because he is overwhelmed with the details of the problem and lacks the ability to break down the problem or see the big picture.
Flexibility and open-mindedness is an essential part of being able to solve problems, whether it is in your personal life or on-the-job. Possessing advantageous problem solving skills requires a person to understand the problem, create a plan to solve the problem, seeing the plan through and reviewing the plan to ensure that the problem is solved and is not repeated. When a person has difficulty imagining a solution to a problem, it is because he is overwhelmed with the details of the problem and lacks the ability to break down the problem or see the big picture.
Debate Tips
What is a debate?
A debate involves a discussion of the pros and cons of an issue. Debating successfully is all about using argument and persuasion to convince other people that your views are right.
Online debating tips
· Research the subject, so that you have facts to back up your views.
· Use logic to develop your case and make your points.
· Think about what the counter arguments are likely to be, so that you can work out your case in advance.
· Be open minded and prepared to change your opinion.
· Don't get drawn into personal attacks.
· Stick to the subject being debated.
· Pay attention to spelling and grammar, it will strengthen your case.
Keep it clean
This is your opportunity to debate the issues that matter to you with people from all corners of the world, so do not spoil this opportunity by posting childish or abusive comments. Likewise, if you notice such comments then please do not respond to them, as this can ruin a good debate. The yourdebate administrator will remove them as soon as possible.
Have Your Say
Now put your debating skills into practice, and join in.
A debate involves a discussion of the pros and cons of an issue. Debating successfully is all about using argument and persuasion to convince other people that your views are right.
Online debating tips
· Research the subject, so that you have facts to back up your views.
· Use logic to develop your case and make your points.
· Think about what the counter arguments are likely to be, so that you can work out your case in advance.
· Be open minded and prepared to change your opinion.
· Don't get drawn into personal attacks.
· Stick to the subject being debated.
· Pay attention to spelling and grammar, it will strengthen your case.
Keep it clean
This is your opportunity to debate the issues that matter to you with people from all corners of the world, so do not spoil this opportunity by posting childish or abusive comments. Likewise, if you notice such comments then please do not respond to them, as this can ruin a good debate. The yourdebate administrator will remove them as soon as possible.
Have Your Say
Now put your debating skills into practice, and join in.
Debate
What is Debate?
Why Debate?
Four Types of Debate
How to Get Started in Debate
General Rules for Debate
"Present your case," says the Lord. "Bring forth your strong reasons," says the King of Jacob. Isaiah 41:21
What is debate?
A debate is a contest, or, perhaps, like a game, where two or more speakers present their arguments intent on persuading one another. Men have been debating with one another since the beginning of time when the serpent first debated with Eve the benefits of eating certain fruits in the Garden. We shall limit ourselves here with discussing formal contest debating between educational institutions, or, in the world of homeschooling, between families that choose to bypass educational institutions and educate their children at home.
Why debate?
"He [the student debater] learns to use a library, and to find the exact information he needs in the shortest possible time. He learns to be thorough and accurate. He learns to analyze; to distinguish between the vital and the unimportant. He learns the need of proving his statements; of supporting every statement with valid evidence and sound reasoning—and he learns to demand the same sort of proof for the statements of others. He learns to present ideas in a clear and effective manner, and in a way which wins others to his way of thinking. He learns to think under pressure, to "use his head" in a time of need, to make decisions quickly and accurately. In a word, the essential point in any debating situation is that of convincing the listener that your side of the proposition is desirable."
Debate is the ultimate mind exercise.
Four types of debate:
Parliamentary Debate. This is the debating that goes on in colleges and universities. For more information on this type of debate see the web pages we link to on our Trivium Pursuit Links.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate (also called value debate) is modeled after the namesake for the activity. In an Illinois election of the mid-1800s, Abe Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas debated the slavery issue before audiences in different towns around the state. In LD debate two contestants will debate topics centered around moral issues or propositions of value or preference. Here are some examples of topics appropriate for LD debate: capital punishment; abortion; or euthanasia. Typically, all public and private schools will debate the same topic. A new topic is chosen every two months (the topics are chosen by some public school debate organization). The public/private school topic for November and December of 1996 was: Resolved, when in conflict, a business' responsibility to itself ought to be valued above its responsibility to society. The topic for January and February of 1997 is: Resolved, In United State's policy, the principle of universal human rights ought to take precedence over conflicting national interest. See also our links to LD Debate.
Cross Examination Debate (also called policy debate or team debate). In this type of debate two teams (two students each ), one representing the affirmative position and one representing the negative position, will debate topics of public or government policy. Here are some examples: Resolved, that chain stores are detrimental to the best interests of the American public (1931); Resolved, that all electric utilities should be governmentally owned and operated (1937); Resolved, that the federal government should own and operate the railroads (1940); and, Resolved, that a federal world government should be established (1943). Typically, all public and private schools will debate the same topic all year long (some public school debate organization picks a new topic each year). The public/private school topic for the 1996-1997 school year is: Resolved, that the federal government should establish a program to substantially reduce juvenile crime in the United States. See also our links to Cross Examination Debate.
Academic Debate. These are debates of a purely academic nature. An example of this type of debate would be creation/evolution debates.
How to Get Started in Debate
There are two things you will have to study if you want to participate in debate:
The principles of debate—logic, evidence, case construction, proof, refuting arguments, rebuttal, the brief, etc. Pick 3 or 4 debate books out of the debate bibliography located elsewhere on this web page and study them thoroughly (I especially recommend An Introduction to Argumentation and Debate by Christy Farris). View the debate video put out by Home School Legal Defense (watch it several times). Observe as many debates as you can. This will be difficult for some, but you might look into attending some college debates or government high school debates or private school debates. The more you observe and study the more familiar you will become with the procedures and terminology of debate.
The current debate topic. Each year there will be a different topic. It is best if you can start studying in June the topic for the coming school year. Studying the current debate topic is the most important part and the most time consuming part of debating. You must study the subject thoroughly, to learn all that is to be known about it. The more time and effort you give to preparation, the more effective debating you will do. The following are a few ideas on how to approach the study of ANY debate topic. Some of this information is taken from How to Debate by Summers, Whan, and Rousse.
We suggest that you follow these four steps:
Read for background information about the subject.
Prepare a comprehensive bibliography.
Collect as much material as you can find.
Read and study the material discovered.
Why Debate?
Four Types of Debate
How to Get Started in Debate
General Rules for Debate
"Present your case," says the Lord. "Bring forth your strong reasons," says the King of Jacob. Isaiah 41:21
What is debate?
A debate is a contest, or, perhaps, like a game, where two or more speakers present their arguments intent on persuading one another. Men have been debating with one another since the beginning of time when the serpent first debated with Eve the benefits of eating certain fruits in the Garden. We shall limit ourselves here with discussing formal contest debating between educational institutions, or, in the world of homeschooling, between families that choose to bypass educational institutions and educate their children at home.
Why debate?
"He [the student debater] learns to use a library, and to find the exact information he needs in the shortest possible time. He learns to be thorough and accurate. He learns to analyze; to distinguish between the vital and the unimportant. He learns the need of proving his statements; of supporting every statement with valid evidence and sound reasoning—and he learns to demand the same sort of proof for the statements of others. He learns to present ideas in a clear and effective manner, and in a way which wins others to his way of thinking. He learns to think under pressure, to "use his head" in a time of need, to make decisions quickly and accurately. In a word, the essential point in any debating situation is that of convincing the listener that your side of the proposition is desirable."
Debate is the ultimate mind exercise.
Four types of debate:
Parliamentary Debate. This is the debating that goes on in colleges and universities. For more information on this type of debate see the web pages we link to on our Trivium Pursuit Links.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate (also called value debate) is modeled after the namesake for the activity. In an Illinois election of the mid-1800s, Abe Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas debated the slavery issue before audiences in different towns around the state. In LD debate two contestants will debate topics centered around moral issues or propositions of value or preference. Here are some examples of topics appropriate for LD debate: capital punishment; abortion; or euthanasia. Typically, all public and private schools will debate the same topic. A new topic is chosen every two months (the topics are chosen by some public school debate organization). The public/private school topic for November and December of 1996 was: Resolved, when in conflict, a business' responsibility to itself ought to be valued above its responsibility to society. The topic for January and February of 1997 is: Resolved, In United State's policy, the principle of universal human rights ought to take precedence over conflicting national interest. See also our links to LD Debate.
Cross Examination Debate (also called policy debate or team debate). In this type of debate two teams (two students each ), one representing the affirmative position and one representing the negative position, will debate topics of public or government policy. Here are some examples: Resolved, that chain stores are detrimental to the best interests of the American public (1931); Resolved, that all electric utilities should be governmentally owned and operated (1937); Resolved, that the federal government should own and operate the railroads (1940); and, Resolved, that a federal world government should be established (1943). Typically, all public and private schools will debate the same topic all year long (some public school debate organization picks a new topic each year). The public/private school topic for the 1996-1997 school year is: Resolved, that the federal government should establish a program to substantially reduce juvenile crime in the United States. See also our links to Cross Examination Debate.
Academic Debate. These are debates of a purely academic nature. An example of this type of debate would be creation/evolution debates.
How to Get Started in Debate
There are two things you will have to study if you want to participate in debate:
The principles of debate—logic, evidence, case construction, proof, refuting arguments, rebuttal, the brief, etc. Pick 3 or 4 debate books out of the debate bibliography located elsewhere on this web page and study them thoroughly (I especially recommend An Introduction to Argumentation and Debate by Christy Farris). View the debate video put out by Home School Legal Defense (watch it several times). Observe as many debates as you can. This will be difficult for some, but you might look into attending some college debates or government high school debates or private school debates. The more you observe and study the more familiar you will become with the procedures and terminology of debate.
The current debate topic. Each year there will be a different topic. It is best if you can start studying in June the topic for the coming school year. Studying the current debate topic is the most important part and the most time consuming part of debating. You must study the subject thoroughly, to learn all that is to be known about it. The more time and effort you give to preparation, the more effective debating you will do. The following are a few ideas on how to approach the study of ANY debate topic. Some of this information is taken from How to Debate by Summers, Whan, and Rousse.
We suggest that you follow these four steps:
Read for background information about the subject.
Prepare a comprehensive bibliography.
Collect as much material as you can find.
Read and study the material discovered.
GD Mistakes
GD Mistakes
Here's a list of the most common mistakes made at group discussions:
Emotional outburst
Rashmi was offended when one of the male participants in a group discussion made a statement on women generally being submissive while explaining his point of view. When Rashmi finally got an opportunity to speak, instead of focusing on the topic, she vented her anger by accusing the other candidate for being a male chauvinist and went on to defend women in general.
What Rashmi essentially did was to
Deviate from the subject
Treat the discussion as a forum to air her own views.
Lose objectivity and make personal attacks.
Her behavior would have been perceived as immature and demotivating to the rest of the team.
Quality Vs Quantity
Gautam believed that the more he talked, the more likely he was to get through the GD. So, he interrupted other people at every opportunity. He did this so often that the other candidates got together to prevent him from participating in the rest of the discussion.
Assessment is not only on your communication skills but also on your ability to be a team player.
Evaluation is based on quality, and not on quantity. Your contribution must be relevant.
The mantra is "Contributing meaningfully to the team's success." Domination is frowned upon.
Egotism Showing off
Krishna was happy to have got a group discussion topic he had prepared for. So, he took pains to project his vast knowledge of the topic. Every other sentence of his contained statistical data - "20% of companies; 24.27% of parliamentarians felt that; I recently read in a Jupiter Report that..." and so on so forth. Soon, the rest of the team either laughed at him or ignored his attempts to enlighten them as they perceived that he was cooking up the data.
Exercise restraint in anything. You will end up being frowned upon if you attempt showing-off your knowledge.
Facts and figures need not validate all your statements.
Its your analysis and interpretation that are equally important - not just facts and figures.
You might be appreciated for your in-depth knowledge. But you will fail miserably in your people skills.
Such a behavior indicates how self-centered you are and highlights your inability to work in an atmosphere where different opinions are expressed.
Get noticed - But for the right reasons
Srikumar knew that everyone would compete to initiate the discussion. So as soon as the topic - "Discuss the negative effects of India joining the WTO" - was read out, he began talking. In his anxiety to be the first to start speaking, he did not hear the word "negative" in the topic. He began discussing the ways in which the country had benefited by joining WTO, only to be stopped by the evaluator, who then corrected his mistake.
False starts are extremely expensive. They cost you your admission. It is very important to listen and understand the topic before you air your opinions.
Spending a little time analyzing the topic may provide you with insights which others may not have thought about. Use a pen and paper to jot down your ideas.
Listen! It gives you the time to conceptualize and present the information in a better manner.
Some mistakes are irreparable. Starting off the group discussion with a mistake is one such mistake, unless you have a great sense of humor.
Managing one's insecurities
Sumati was very nervous. She thought that some of the other candidates were exceptionally good. Thanks to her insecurity, she contributed little to the discussion. Even when she was asked to comment on a particular point, she preferred to remain silent.
Your personality is also being evaluated. Your verbal and non verbal cues are being read.
Remember, you are the participant in the GD; not the evaluator. So, rather than evaluating others and your performance, participate in the discussion.
Your confidence level is being evaluated. A decent communication skill with good confidence is a must to crack the GDs.
Focus on your strengths and do not spend too much time thinking about how others are superior or inferior to you. It is easy to pick up these cues from your body language.
Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.
Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.
Here's a list of the most common mistakes made at group discussions:
Emotional outburst
Rashmi was offended when one of the male participants in a group discussion made a statement on women generally being submissive while explaining his point of view. When Rashmi finally got an opportunity to speak, instead of focusing on the topic, she vented her anger by accusing the other candidate for being a male chauvinist and went on to defend women in general.
What Rashmi essentially did was to
Deviate from the subject
Treat the discussion as a forum to air her own views.
Lose objectivity and make personal attacks.
Her behavior would have been perceived as immature and demotivating to the rest of the team.
Quality Vs Quantity
Gautam believed that the more he talked, the more likely he was to get through the GD. So, he interrupted other people at every opportunity. He did this so often that the other candidates got together to prevent him from participating in the rest of the discussion.
Assessment is not only on your communication skills but also on your ability to be a team player.
Evaluation is based on quality, and not on quantity. Your contribution must be relevant.
The mantra is "Contributing meaningfully to the team's success." Domination is frowned upon.
Egotism Showing off
Krishna was happy to have got a group discussion topic he had prepared for. So, he took pains to project his vast knowledge of the topic. Every other sentence of his contained statistical data - "20% of companies; 24.27% of parliamentarians felt that; I recently read in a Jupiter Report that..." and so on so forth. Soon, the rest of the team either laughed at him or ignored his attempts to enlighten them as they perceived that he was cooking up the data.
Exercise restraint in anything. You will end up being frowned upon if you attempt showing-off your knowledge.
Facts and figures need not validate all your statements.
Its your analysis and interpretation that are equally important - not just facts and figures.
You might be appreciated for your in-depth knowledge. But you will fail miserably in your people skills.
Such a behavior indicates how self-centered you are and highlights your inability to work in an atmosphere where different opinions are expressed.
Get noticed - But for the right reasons
Srikumar knew that everyone would compete to initiate the discussion. So as soon as the topic - "Discuss the negative effects of India joining the WTO" - was read out, he began talking. In his anxiety to be the first to start speaking, he did not hear the word "negative" in the topic. He began discussing the ways in which the country had benefited by joining WTO, only to be stopped by the evaluator, who then corrected his mistake.
False starts are extremely expensive. They cost you your admission. It is very important to listen and understand the topic before you air your opinions.
Spending a little time analyzing the topic may provide you with insights which others may not have thought about. Use a pen and paper to jot down your ideas.
Listen! It gives you the time to conceptualize and present the information in a better manner.
Some mistakes are irreparable. Starting off the group discussion with a mistake is one such mistake, unless you have a great sense of humor.
Managing one's insecurities
Sumati was very nervous. She thought that some of the other candidates were exceptionally good. Thanks to her insecurity, she contributed little to the discussion. Even when she was asked to comment on a particular point, she preferred to remain silent.
Your personality is also being evaluated. Your verbal and non verbal cues are being read.
Remember, you are the participant in the GD; not the evaluator. So, rather than evaluating others and your performance, participate in the discussion.
Your confidence level is being evaluated. A decent communication skill with good confidence is a must to crack the GDs.
Focus on your strengths and do not spend too much time thinking about how others are superior or inferior to you. It is easy to pick up these cues from your body language.
Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.
Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.
How to face GD
How to Face GD
A group discussion consists of :
Communication Skills
Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
Capability to co-ordinate and lead
Exchange of thoughts
Addressing the group as a whole
Thorough preparations
Communication Skills
The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a candidate has to talk effectively so that he is able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time create an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is successful in holding the attention of the audience creates a positive impact.
It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators do not look for the wordage produced. Your knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of thought are the things that are evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as necessary, neither more nor less. Group discussions are not debating stages.
Ability to listen is also what evaluators’ judge. They look for your ability to react on what other participants say. Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and then react or proceed to add some more points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge whether you are a loner or can work in a group.
You should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly before a group of people. Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. These add value to your presentation. In case you are not good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers specialized courses in public speaking. For instance, British Council Division's English Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of courses like conversation skills, business communication skills, business writing, negotiation skills and presentation skills. Mostly people attend these courses to improve their communication skills. Students here are involved in activities which use communication skills and teachers provide inputs, monitor and facilitate the classes. The course at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people without any nervousness.
Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject
Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes from consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident.
Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities
The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent.
Exchange of Thoughts
A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These discussions are held for selecting personnel in organizations where there is a high level of competition. The number of participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes.
The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make assessments about their skills, which normally cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team membership, leadership skills, listening and articulation skills.
A note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of the main idea, the rapport you strike, patience, assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and eye contact too are important points which are to be considered. .
Addressing the Group as a Whole
In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even otherwise you may not know everyone's names. It better to address the group as a whole. Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can. Needless to add, as for the interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The language used should also be formal, not the language used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like "yar", "chalta hai", "CP", "I dunno", etc. are out. This is not to say you should use a high sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding both, just use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and English) should be discarded. Confidence and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you do not keep repeating a point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be specific. Do not exaggerate.
Thorough Preparation
Start making preparations for interview and group discussions right away, without waiting till the eleventh hour, this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is important to concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need for thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough. Only 460 candidates make it to the final list from 2.75 lakh civil service aspirants each year.
It may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions from three or four organizations but are not selected by any. The reason obviously lies in your not being well-prepared.
In a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your views on it. Or in a case study GD, students have to read a case study and suggest ways of tackling the problem. For this you should have a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs, should regularly read newspapers and magazines. Your group behavior and communication skills are on test, i.e. how you convince the others and how clearly you are able to express your points of view. You should be articulate, generate ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to speak, and adopt a stand on a given subject. During the course of the GD this stand can even be changed, giving the impression that you are open to accommodate others' viewpoints.
Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.
Points to Remember
Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.
Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.
A group discussion consists of :
Communication Skills
Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
Capability to co-ordinate and lead
Exchange of thoughts
Addressing the group as a whole
Thorough preparations
Communication Skills
The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a candidate has to talk effectively so that he is able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time create an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is successful in holding the attention of the audience creates a positive impact.
It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators do not look for the wordage produced. Your knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of thought are the things that are evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as necessary, neither more nor less. Group discussions are not debating stages.
Ability to listen is also what evaluators’ judge. They look for your ability to react on what other participants say. Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and then react or proceed to add some more points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge whether you are a loner or can work in a group.
You should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly before a group of people. Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. These add value to your presentation. In case you are not good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers specialized courses in public speaking. For instance, British Council Division's English Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of courses like conversation skills, business communication skills, business writing, negotiation skills and presentation skills. Mostly people attend these courses to improve their communication skills. Students here are involved in activities which use communication skills and teachers provide inputs, monitor and facilitate the classes. The course at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people without any nervousness.
Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject
Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes from consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident.
Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities
The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent.
Exchange of Thoughts
A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These discussions are held for selecting personnel in organizations where there is a high level of competition. The number of participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes.
The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make assessments about their skills, which normally cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team membership, leadership skills, listening and articulation skills.
A note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of the main idea, the rapport you strike, patience, assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and eye contact too are important points which are to be considered. .
Addressing the Group as a Whole
In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even otherwise you may not know everyone's names. It better to address the group as a whole. Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can. Needless to add, as for the interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The language used should also be formal, not the language used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like "yar", "chalta hai", "CP", "I dunno", etc. are out. This is not to say you should use a high sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding both, just use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and English) should be discarded. Confidence and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you do not keep repeating a point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be specific. Do not exaggerate.
Thorough Preparation
Start making preparations for interview and group discussions right away, without waiting till the eleventh hour, this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is important to concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need for thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough. Only 460 candidates make it to the final list from 2.75 lakh civil service aspirants each year.
It may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions from three or four organizations but are not selected by any. The reason obviously lies in your not being well-prepared.
In a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your views on it. Or in a case study GD, students have to read a case study and suggest ways of tackling the problem. For this you should have a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs, should regularly read newspapers and magazines. Your group behavior and communication skills are on test, i.e. how you convince the others and how clearly you are able to express your points of view. You should be articulate, generate ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to speak, and adopt a stand on a given subject. During the course of the GD this stand can even be changed, giving the impression that you are open to accommodate others' viewpoints.
Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.
Points to Remember
Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.
Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.
GD
GD Tips
GD Tips
1. Initiation Techniques
2. Body of the group discussion
3. Summarization/ Conclusion
Initiation Techniques
Initiating a GD is a high profit-high loss strategy.
· When you initiate a GD, you not only grab the opportunity to speak, you also grab the attention of the examiner and your fellow candidates.
· If you can make a favorable first impression with your content and communication skills after you initiate a GD, it will help you sail through the discussion.
· But if you initiate a GD and stammer/ stutter/ quote wrong facts and figures, the damage might be irreparable.
· If you initiate a GD impeccably but don't speak much after that, it gives the impression that you started the GD for the sake of starting it or getting those initial kitty of points earmarked for an initiator.
· When you start a GD, you are responsible for putting it into the right perspective or framework. So initiate one only if you have in-depth knowledge about the topic at hand.
Body of the group discussion
Different techniques to initiate a GD and make a good first impression:
I. Quotes
II. Definition
III. Question
IV. Shock statement
V. Facts, figures and statistics
VI. Short story
VII. General statement
I. Quotes
Quotes are an effective way of initiating a GD.
If the topic of a GD is: Should the Censor Board be abolished?, you could start with a quote like, 'Hidden apples are always sweet'.
For a GD topic like, Customer is King, you could quote Sam (Wall-mart) Walton's famous saying, there is only one boss: the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company -- from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.'
II. Definition
Start a GD by defining the topic or an important term in the topic.
For example, if the topic of the GD is Advertising is a Diplomatic Way of Telling a Lie, why not start the GD by defining advertising as, 'Any paid form of non-personal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods or services through mass media like newspapers, magazines, television or radio by an identified sponsor'?
For a topic like The Malthusian Economic Prophecy is no longer relevant, you could start by explaining the definition of the Malthusian Economic Prophecy.
III. Question
Asking a question is an impact way of starting a GD.
It does not signify asking a question to any of the candidates in a GD so as to hamper the flow. It implies asking a question, and answering it yourself.
Any question that might hamper the flow of a GD or insult a participant or play devil's advocate must be discouraged.
Questions that promote a flow of ideas are always appreciated.
For a topic like, Should India go to war with Pakistan, you could start by asking, 'What does war bring to the people of a nation? We have had four clashes with Pakistan. The pertinent question is: what have we achieved?'
IV. Shock statement
initiating a GD with a shocking statement is the best way to grab immediate attention and put forth your point.
If a GD topic is, The Impact of Population on the Indian Economy, you could start with, 'At the centre of the Indian capital stands a population clock that ticks away relentlessly. It tracks 33 births a minute, 2,000 an hour, 48,000 a day. Which calculates to about 12 million every year. That is roughly the size of Australia. As a current political slogan puts it, 'Nothing's impossible when 1 billion Indians work together'.'
V. Facts, figures and statistics
If you decide to initiate your GD with facts, figure and statistics, make sure to quote them accurately.
Approximation is allowed in macro level figures, but micro level figures need to be correct and accurate.
For example, you can say, approximately 70 per cent of the Indian population stays in rural areas (macro figures, approximation allowed).
But you cannot say 30 states of India instead of 28 (micro figures, no approximations).
Stating wrong facts works to your disadvantage.
For a GD topic like, China, a Rising Tiger, you could start with, 'In 1983, when China was still in its initial stages of reform and opening up, China's real use of Foreign Direct Investment only stood at $636 million. China actually utilized $60 billion of FID in 2004, which is almost 100 times that of its 1983 statistics."
VI. Short story
Use a short story in a GD topic like, Attitude is Everything.
This can be initiated with, 'A child once asked a balloon vendor, who was selling helium gas-filled balloons, whether a blue-colored balloon will go as high in the sky as a green-colored balloon. The balloon vendor told the child, it is not the color of the balloon but what is inside it that makes it go high.'
VII. General statement
Use a general statement to put the GD in proper perspective.
For example, if the topic is, Should Sonia Gandhi be the prime minister of India?, you could start by saying, 'Before jumping to conclusions like, 'Yes, Sonia Gandhi should be', or 'No, Sonia Gandhi should not be', let's first find out the qualities one needs to be a a good prime minister of India. Then we can compare these qualities with those that Mrs. Gandhi possesses. This will help us reach the conclusion in a more objective and effective manner.'
Summarization/ Conclusion
· Most GD do not really have conclusions. A conclusion is where the whole group decides in favor or against the topic.
· But every GD is summarized. You can summaries what the group has discussed in the GD in a nutshell.
Keep the following points in mind while summarizing a discussion:
1. Avoid raising new points.
2. Avoid stating only your viewpoint.
3. Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD.
4. Keep it brief and concise.
5. It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD.
6. If the examiner asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end.
Note : Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.
GD Tips
1. Initiation Techniques
2. Body of the group discussion
3. Summarization/ Conclusion
Initiation Techniques
Initiating a GD is a high profit-high loss strategy.
· When you initiate a GD, you not only grab the opportunity to speak, you also grab the attention of the examiner and your fellow candidates.
· If you can make a favorable first impression with your content and communication skills after you initiate a GD, it will help you sail through the discussion.
· But if you initiate a GD and stammer/ stutter/ quote wrong facts and figures, the damage might be irreparable.
· If you initiate a GD impeccably but don't speak much after that, it gives the impression that you started the GD for the sake of starting it or getting those initial kitty of points earmarked for an initiator.
· When you start a GD, you are responsible for putting it into the right perspective or framework. So initiate one only if you have in-depth knowledge about the topic at hand.
Body of the group discussion
Different techniques to initiate a GD and make a good first impression:
I. Quotes
II. Definition
III. Question
IV. Shock statement
V. Facts, figures and statistics
VI. Short story
VII. General statement
I. Quotes
Quotes are an effective way of initiating a GD.
If the topic of a GD is: Should the Censor Board be abolished?, you could start with a quote like, 'Hidden apples are always sweet'.
For a GD topic like, Customer is King, you could quote Sam (Wall-mart) Walton's famous saying, there is only one boss: the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company -- from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.'
II. Definition
Start a GD by defining the topic or an important term in the topic.
For example, if the topic of the GD is Advertising is a Diplomatic Way of Telling a Lie, why not start the GD by defining advertising as, 'Any paid form of non-personal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods or services through mass media like newspapers, magazines, television or radio by an identified sponsor'?
For a topic like The Malthusian Economic Prophecy is no longer relevant, you could start by explaining the definition of the Malthusian Economic Prophecy.
III. Question
Asking a question is an impact way of starting a GD.
It does not signify asking a question to any of the candidates in a GD so as to hamper the flow. It implies asking a question, and answering it yourself.
Any question that might hamper the flow of a GD or insult a participant or play devil's advocate must be discouraged.
Questions that promote a flow of ideas are always appreciated.
For a topic like, Should India go to war with Pakistan, you could start by asking, 'What does war bring to the people of a nation? We have had four clashes with Pakistan. The pertinent question is: what have we achieved?'
IV. Shock statement
initiating a GD with a shocking statement is the best way to grab immediate attention and put forth your point.
If a GD topic is, The Impact of Population on the Indian Economy, you could start with, 'At the centre of the Indian capital stands a population clock that ticks away relentlessly. It tracks 33 births a minute, 2,000 an hour, 48,000 a day. Which calculates to about 12 million every year. That is roughly the size of Australia. As a current political slogan puts it, 'Nothing's impossible when 1 billion Indians work together'.'
V. Facts, figures and statistics
If you decide to initiate your GD with facts, figure and statistics, make sure to quote them accurately.
Approximation is allowed in macro level figures, but micro level figures need to be correct and accurate.
For example, you can say, approximately 70 per cent of the Indian population stays in rural areas (macro figures, approximation allowed).
But you cannot say 30 states of India instead of 28 (micro figures, no approximations).
Stating wrong facts works to your disadvantage.
For a GD topic like, China, a Rising Tiger, you could start with, 'In 1983, when China was still in its initial stages of reform and opening up, China's real use of Foreign Direct Investment only stood at $636 million. China actually utilized $60 billion of FID in 2004, which is almost 100 times that of its 1983 statistics."
VI. Short story
Use a short story in a GD topic like, Attitude is Everything.
This can be initiated with, 'A child once asked a balloon vendor, who was selling helium gas-filled balloons, whether a blue-colored balloon will go as high in the sky as a green-colored balloon. The balloon vendor told the child, it is not the color of the balloon but what is inside it that makes it go high.'
VII. General statement
Use a general statement to put the GD in proper perspective.
For example, if the topic is, Should Sonia Gandhi be the prime minister of India?, you could start by saying, 'Before jumping to conclusions like, 'Yes, Sonia Gandhi should be', or 'No, Sonia Gandhi should not be', let's first find out the qualities one needs to be a a good prime minister of India. Then we can compare these qualities with those that Mrs. Gandhi possesses. This will help us reach the conclusion in a more objective and effective manner.'
Summarization/ Conclusion
· Most GD do not really have conclusions. A conclusion is where the whole group decides in favor or against the topic.
· But every GD is summarized. You can summaries what the group has discussed in the GD in a nutshell.
Keep the following points in mind while summarizing a discussion:
1. Avoid raising new points.
2. Avoid stating only your viewpoint.
3. Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD.
4. Keep it brief and concise.
5. It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD.
6. If the examiner asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end.
Note : Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.
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