PROUD TO BE A HAM

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PROUD TO BE A HAM

HAM Radio means Hertz, Armstrong and Marconi. The first letters of these three scientists combined to form HAM. Most of the common people do not know what a HAM radio is? In India the awareness is very limited when to the developed countries. Become a HAM is very simple, for this one has to undergo simple training and getting license from the Govt. of India by writing simple exam. A HAM can be able to develop a own radio station and he should work within the rules and regulation of international telecommunication union. It’s just like a licensed hobby. But it can also be used for disaster management. Its hobby filled with responsibility. Unless it’s a hobby with responsibility, HAM cannot be an alternative national resource. In India the services rendered by HAM were great. It’s a great honor to be a HAM. Every HAM should feel the honor and should work accordingly.

Amateur (HAM) Radio is truly a hobby but often one that makes a difference especially in emergency or disaster situations. It is an activity of Self Learning, Inter-Communication & Technical Investigation carried on between Amateur Radio Operators. Amateurs talk to local friends over the radio waves using a hand-held transceiver, communicating digitally with packet radio to exchange personal messages or vital information in an emergency, talking to other hams anywhere in the world, or engaging in contests with other Radio Amateurs over the airwaves there is something for everyone.

A HAM is not an ordinary person having the instinct to serve the humanity. He is technically skilled and thrust for knowledge and service. A HAM has global awareness and have the knowledge regarding weather conditions and early warnings and predictions of natural calamities.

Even though the present day technology has improved, we cannot deny HAM. When compared to the advanced technology HAM radio is a simple basic tool. But we cannot deny the services rendered for the past many years.

India has got the second place in population. But it has got last place in having HAM population. But it has less awareness compared to the other developed countries. It is the need of the hour to get proper awareness regarding the increase of HAM population. How can it be achieved? It is not a great problem. In my opinion it can be achieved through visiting schools and colleges and making the students awareness inculcating the idea of licensed and technically skilled serviceman ship among them.

If it can be achieved, the disaster management will become easy. When disasters occur, we need not to search for HAMs. If it can be achieved the disaster may not be a disaster. We can minimize the loss of lives and property.

Indian Red Cross Society has rendered its services in disaster management. It used and recognized the services of HAM radio. It also created a platform for HAM radio in its disaster services and had given training for the enthusiastic volunteers. Many volunteers are looking forward to get the training. It is a good sign.

I am a HAM, do you too? I am proud to be an Indian and a HAM. HAMs are national resource. Come my friend it is not too late to become a HAM.

Mr.VSSRK Prasad,

HAM Radio Operator and Resource Person,

Life Member of Indian Red Cross Society,

AP State Branch, Hyderbad.

E-mail: vu3nyd@gmail.com,

Mobile : 9866202123

Call Sign : VU3NYD

A HAM IN RED CROSS

Hai! HAM’s

I am V.S.S.RamaKrishna Prasad Call sign VU3NYD want to share my feelings and aspiration to you on this special occasion.

Being a HAM and having voluntary spit I was attracted to participate in several events and disaster relief activities such as Gujarat Earthquake in 2001, many Cyclone relief activities in costal Andhra Pradesh, Government events like National games, Pushkarams, and Sensitizing programmers conducted by Andhra Pradesh Science and Technology. I have gained more experience.

In January 2009 the India Red Cross Society organization started its one year duration Disaster Management Center (DMC) project supported by American Red Cross. In that project I was selected as a HAM Radio Operators because of my experience and voluntary spirit. During my stay in Red Cross I have learned a lot through varies trainings like 1) Mental health and Psychosocial support in emergencies and Psychological first aid.2) Essentials of disaster management and community based first aid. 3) Sphere minimum standards and monitoring & evaluation. 4) WATSAN and Emergency communications. I was given various kinds of training and also, I was gave HAM Radio training to Red Cross staff and volunteers. We purchased and installed HAM Radio equipment for two stations, one is at Hyderabad and another one is at Vijayawada. I collected the data of active HAM’s across Andhra Pradesh and placed it in Red Cross data base. Some of the members from the above were enrolled as Red Cross members by me. For this I got merit certificate from Andhra Pradesh Governor.

There was a big flood occurred in Krishna River in the month of October 2009. Then immediately rushed to Vijayawada and started relief services involving all voluntary HAM’s along with Red Cross HAM’s under my leadership almost all HAM’s rendered their whole hearted services forgoing their personnel comforts also. The HAM’s job was commendable for that we received appreciation letters from State Secrecatary A.P. Red Cross and appreciation from National Red Cross teams also.

The one year project ended in December 2009. I have received Certificate of Appreciation from American Red Cross Indian delegation, Head of India office New Delhi. Even though the project ended I wish to work as a Red Cross volunteer. Because I was influenced and inspired by the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross, they are Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality.

This is my sincere appeal to all HAM’s to draw inspiration from me and enroll yourselves in Red Cross and render your voluntary support.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

BMC’s HAM radio, but no operators

The disaster management cell would not be able to save Mumbai if the mobile networks get jammed in the city.

To strengthen their communication system in case of emergencies, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had established HAM radio stations at their headquarters and the administrative ward. But there is no one to operate them.

The BMC had mooted to send 40 disaster control operators for free HAM training, but the six-month course has come to an abrupt end, with lakhs of rupees being wasted.

“The course is very technical. It is part of the radio engineering which takes two years to be taught. The same training is being imparted to us in span of six months. It is impossible for us to grasp it,” said an official from the disaster cell on condition of anonymity.

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1 comment:

  1. Saahitya AbhimaaniDecember 11, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    Why don't you write in Telugu. Very few in Blogworld know about Ham activity.

    HAM word probably has come from Home Amateur Mechanic ie. the first letters of these three words. This is another version how HAM word was coined.

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