Aniruddha’s Academy of Disaster Management (AADM)

Aniruddha's Academy of Disaster Management (AADM)

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, are an unfortunate reality of the modern world. They can strike without warning, causing loss of life, destruction of property, disruption of livelihoods and immense social and economic hardship. According to the EM-DAT database, 393 natural hazard-related disasters were recorded worldwide in 2024, affecting more than 167 million people, claiming over 16,700 lives and causing economic losses of nearly US$242 billion.

India is particularly vulnerable to floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides and droughts, while fires, industrial accidents, transportation mishaps and acts of violence continue to pose significant risks. Large religious festivals and public gatherings further underline the importance of disaster awareness, preparedness and effective crowd management to prevent avoidable tragedies.

India is home to numerous religious festivals and large public gatherings that attract millions of devotees every year. In Maharashtra alone, events such as Ganesh Festival, Navratri, Kumbha Mela, the Mount Mary Fair and the fairs at Jyotiba and Mandhara Devi temples witness massive crowds. Such gatherings require effective crowd management and emergency preparedness to prevent disasters such as stampedes and fires, as tragically witnessed during the Mandhara Devi temple fire in Wai in 2005, which claimed around 250 lives. During any emergency, whether natural or man-made, effective response depends not only on fire services, police, hospitals and other emergency agencies, but also on trained volunteers and local community support working in coordination.

Preparedness is the most effective way to reduce the impact of disasters. By creating awareness, developing practical skills and nurturing a spirit of service, communities become better equipped to respond confidently during emergencies. Helping those in distress is not only a civic responsibility but also a moral and spiritual duty.

Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu addresses the Aniruddha's Academy of Disaster Management (AADM) foundation seminar

Vision of Sadguru Bapu

With a deep concern for the safety and well-being of society, Dr. Aniruddha D. Joshi, lovingly known as Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu, founded Aniruddha's Academy of Disaster Management (AADM) on 14 March 2002. Rooted in spirituality and selfless service, AADM was described by Sadguru Bapu as the practical manifestation of the Ghorkashtoddharan Stotra.

The inspiration for AADM emerged in the aftermath of the Bhuj earthquake (January 2001) and the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament (December 2001), which highlighted the urgent need for trained and disciplined citizens capable of responding effectively during emergencies. Conceived through Sadguru Bapu's vision and dedicated efforts, AADM was established to create disaster awareness, impart life-saving skills and cultivate a spirit of selfless service.

Vision of Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu

Mission and Training

AADM's mission is to prepare every individual, irrespective of nationality, caste, creed or religion, to respond effectively to natural and man-made disasters through comprehensive training. Participants are trained in rescue methods, primary first aid and Cardio Pulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation (CPCR), enabling them to provide timely assistance until professional medical help arrives.

As of June 2026, AADM has trained over 87,000 Disaster Management Volunteers (DMVs), creating a large network of citizens committed to serving society during emergencies.

Training combines classroom learning with practical sessions, mock drills and hands-on exercises. Volunteers receive instruction in rescue techniques, fire-fighting, first aid, bandaging, knot-tying, stretcher handling and Cardio Pulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation (CPCR). Through an efficient communication network, trained DMVs can be mobilised quickly to support local authorities during emergencies and disaster relief operations.

AADM offers a variety of free training programmes, including the Basic Disaster Management Course, Fire-Fighting Course, Rescue Training Programmes, Corporate Disaster Management Training, Disaster Management Training for Police Personnel, Vermiculture Training, Ham Radio Training and Parade Training.

Serving Society in Times of Crisis

Over the years, AADM volunteers have rendered valuable service during disasters and public emergencies. During the Mumbai floods of 26 July 2005, DMVs participated in rescue and relief operations, assisted stranded citizens and distributed essential supplies. Their dedicated service earned recognition from government authorities, following which AADM has contributed to monsoon disaster preparedness planning.

DMVs have also supported the police, fire brigade and other authorities during landslides, fires, bomb blasts and other emergencies by assisting in rescue operations, providing first aid, transporting casualties and supporting relief efforts.

Beyond disaster response, AADM plays a significant role in crowd management during major religious festivals and public gatherings across Maharashtra, including Ganapati Visarjan, Navratri, Mahashivratri, Pandharpur Wari and various temple festivals. Thousands of DMVs work alongside government agencies to help ensure the safe and orderly movement of devotees. Volunteers also participate regularly in public welfare initiatives such as government-organised polio vaccination drives.

Serving Ganpati Bappa with Faith: AADM Volunteers | Anant Chaturdashi Seva 2025

Providing Assistance to Government agencies

AADM has worked closely with several government organisations, including the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), Mumbai Police, Maharashtra Police, the District Collector of Mumbai, various District Disaster Management Authorities across Maharashtra, BEST and the Naval Dockyard.

An important milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 26 February 2026 with the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET), Government of Maharashtra, for imparting disaster management training to students of Industrial Training Institutes across the state. AADM has been conducting this training since May 2025. Disaster management programmes have also been conducted for various corporate organisations.

As part of its commitment to disaster awareness, AADM published The Textbook of Disaster Management, one of India's pioneering publications on the subject. First published in English in April 2002 and Marathi in July 2002, the book has undergone several editions and continues to serve as a practical guide for disaster management training and preparedness.

AADM Signs MoU with DVET for Statewide Training of ITI Students in Disaster Management

Environmental Initiatives

AADM's commitment to service extends beyond disaster management to environmental conservation through vermiculture, tree plantation and seedball plantation initiatives.

Its vermiculture projects have converted approximately 700 tonnes of organic waste into nearly 140 tonnes of vermicompost, while training programmes have been conducted for educational institutions, government organisations and corporates across Maharashtra.

With the support of AADM volunteers, more than 1.9 lakh trees have been planted across Maharashtra, and till June 2026, over 9.49 lakh seedballs have been dispersed in forests and other designated areas, contributing to ecological restoration and environmental sustainability.

2000 trees planted by Aniruddha’s Academy of Disaster Management along with Mumbai Port Trust, LnT

The Path Ahead

As disasters continue to increase in frequency and impact, the need for preparedness has never been greater. Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu envisioned AADM not as an adventure-oriented organisation, but as a platform for developing responsible, disciplined and service-minded citizens capable of responding effectively during emergencies.

AADM continues to pursue this vision by equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to protect lives, support communities and foster a culture of preparedness, compassion and selfless service.