Renjith Israel details his journey from an aspiring Army commando to becoming a leading search and rescue expert in India. He recounts his early life in an agricultural family, his passion for joining the military, and how a severe illness disrupted his plans. Overcoming setbacks, he redirected his focus to disaster response and has since played a key role in numerous rescue missions, including operations in Uttarakhand, Kerala, and other disaster-hit areas.He emphasizes his voluntary participation in high-risk rescues, his dedication to saving both human and animal lives, and his close association with the Indian Army despite being a civilian. He also highlights his recent efforts to improve borewell rescue operations for children. The talk showcases his resilience, sense of duty, and determination to make a difference. Renjith Israel, a fearless search, rescue and recovery expert who has voluntarily served in some of India’s most challenging disaster zones. From the 2013 Uttarakhand Cloud Bursting Disaster to 2024 Wayanad Huge Landslides Disaster Kerala, his unwavering commitment to saving lives continues to inspire us all.Operating in extreme conditions, he has developed exceptional crisis management skills and an ability to coordinate complex rescue operations that have saved countless lives in critical situations.His dedication to disaster preparedness and community resilience has helped establish robust emergency response networks, ensuring better protection for vulnerable communities during natural calamities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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