A Conference on New Age Threats, New Edge Mitigations
The inaugural annual conference of the International Council for Industrial Security, Safety & Management (ICISSM) took place on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Institute of Social Science in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Attended by a distinguished gathering from the fraternity, representing various parts of the country, the conference received a warm welcome. With the theme ‘New Age Threats, New Edge Mitigation,’  the event featured keynote addresses and panel discussions aimed at sharing knowledge and fostering insightful deliberations. Commencing punctually with the National Anthem and the traditional lamp lighting ceremony with Ganesh vandana, the conference was inaugurated. Maj Gen. Vikram Singh, Chairman of ICISSM, highlighted the significance of embracing new-age technologies in his welcome address. He emphasized the rapidly evolving nature of security practices due to technological advancements and briefed the attendees about the diverse activities, courses, and training programs offered by ICISSM. Following his address, Maj Gen. Singh officially declared the conference open. Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman of CAPSI, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address to the audience, he underscored the imperative of fostering a culture of security. Drawing examples from history, he elucidated how the martial spirit of India was historically entrusted with the security of a nation comprising 25% of the national population. However, he noted a decline in this aspect, attributing it to various external influences and increased global exposure. Before concluding his remarks and extending wishes for a successful conference, he emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and should be regarded as a ‘Rashtriya Dharm’ (national duty). The first panel discussion of the day titled “Synergy between Security & EHS – Adoption of Industry Best Practices” was expertly moderated by Col. D. R. Semwal, Chief Patron of ICISSM. He kicked off the discussion by stating that in today’s world, security and EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) are increasingly converging. Nachiket Vaze emphasized that security and safety are essentially two sides of the same coin, stressing the importance of achieving synergy between them. Capt A A Collaco addressed the complexity of integrating security and EHS, noting that they often operate in silos due to different priorities. He also highlighted the growing integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) into these functions, acknowledging the resistance to change and the role of technology in facilitating integration. Nand Kishore proposed a comprehensive four-point plan for success: Risk Analysis, a Culture of Compliance, Training & Awareness, and Allocation of necessary resources. He emphasized the importance of self-belief and envisioned a future where security managers operate as business managers. Finally, Jeetendra Singh emphasized the critical need for collaboration between security and EHS in healthcare settings, stressing that working in silos is simply not viable for healthcare facilities. Despite feeling unwell, Capt. Garry Singh, the first keynote speaker, honoured his commitment to the fraternity and the council. He delivered an insightful talk on the “Impact of Global Disturbances on Internal Security in India.” Using current examples like the geo-political situations with Russia & Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and Iran, he illustrated his points. Mr. Singh emphasized that the Security Industry is the largest in the world because of its necessity. He further stated that the impact on internal security correlates with two factors: (a) the diplomatic relationship with the country/region of conflict and (b) the distance from the area of impact. In panel discussion number 2, moderated by Dr. R K Tyagi, the focus was on the transition from “home to homeland” and the shaping of security culture in India. The panel comprised young yet seasoned security professionals from diverse roles within the sector. The consensus underscored the paramount importance of cultivating a robust security culture. Captain Gaurav Bajetha succinctly encapsulated this notion, emphasizing that a security culture ultimately saves lives. He emphasized the pivotal role of early education, advocating for the integration of security and safety principles into the curriculum from a young age. Prashant Shishodia echoed this sentiment, asserting that a well-trained and aware populace fosters a culture of security, which, in turn, nurtures a peaceful and prosperous society. He emphasized the need for instilling this awareness in children during their formative years, concurring with Gaurav’s stance on early education. Ankit Sabharwal highlighted the significance of skilled and competent security professionals, emphasizing the critical role of ongoing training and awareness-building initiatives. He emphasized that such efforts not only benefit organizations but also contribute to fostering a culture of security at the community and national levels. Chakradhari Rowe referenced a campaign initiated in the United States post-9/11, encapsulated in the phrase “If you see something, say something.” However, he noted that this adage has evolved over time to align with contemporary challenges. He proposed a revised approach: “If you see something wrong, do something right.” He emphasized the individual’s responsibility to identify, isolate, and mitigate threats, highlighting how these actions collectively contribute to the cultivation of a security-conscious culture within society. During his keynote address, Sanjeev Sehgal, the founder and managing director of Sparsh CCTV, highlighted the significance of recent government notifications, namely the Public Procurement Order (PPO) and Compulsory Registration Order (CRO). He emphasized that these directives mark a significant triumph for the “Make in India” initiative. Sehgal elaborated on how these orders establish essential requirements for all CCTV procurements, affecting both public and private sectors. Notably, these mandates encompass hardware and software components alike. Maj. Gen. Sanjay Soi delivered an outstanding presentation, providing a comprehensive analysis of quality service delivery in the security sector and aligning it with end-user expectations. Through recent research and insightful data, he illustrated the standards, both strategic and tactical, emphasizing the importance of meeting user expectations. He presented graphical representations highlighting the nuances of user expectations and concluded with a practical checklist for end users, stressing the balance between service quality and expenses. As a surprise, before the lunch break, Dr. R K Tyagi from CISS Services Limited took the stage to honour Major General Sanjay Soi and Capt. (Prof.) SB Tyagi for their outstanding dedication to training and…