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IISSM 2004 - A Report
Success Story of IISSM-2004
All is well that ends well - thus goes an age-old proverb. By that test, IISSM-2004 was indeed a runaway success. So observed the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, in his valedictory address, "Violence has no place in modern day society and more so in a democratic system. Perhaps IISSM may like to design some seminars with focus on such principles since IISSM is fast growing into an authoritative agency for Security and Safety Management." The Chief Minister's appreciation was also clear when he stated: "I am also happy to note that IISSM is planning to establish a new chapter at Hyderabad. In this connection my Government will certainly help you as it is our determination to ensure a secure and peaceful atmosphere in the state." Needless to say, IISSM will bank heavily on such appreciation and assurance from the State Chief Minister.
The tenor for the 4-day schedule was earlier clearly laid down by His Excellency Mr. Sushilkumar Shinde, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, when he stated in his inaugural address, "Security training is not parrot-like recitation of the provisions of Law, not merely the ability to shoot accurately; it is the right attitude to work, the right desire to do the job effectively, the imbibing of the right knowledge and skills required for the effective discharge of duties in a manner compatible with law and public interest. It is a continuous concept and not an end in itself." He enjoined upon the security professionals their tasks in the following words: "In today's fluid national and international situation and growing security concern across the world, there is no dearth of opportunities for a security organization. The challenge lies in your ability to rise to the occasion whenever an opportunity beckons you and prove yourself professionally competent for the task. Collectively and individually, each one of you must work to constantly update your knowledge, skills and attitude to be abreast with the latest developments in the field of security. There should be considerable emphasis to make the training more meaningful, complete and integrated, stressing on personality development, character building and inculcation of human values. Adaptation to new technologies and innovative application of scientific security management principles will help you grow as an organization and also as individuals within it. In the end, what will endure will be only the professionalism." We are given to understand the Governor "was much impressed by the ceremony (inaugural), the attendance and the way the whole thing was conducted. He praised IISSM's efforts highly."
Earlier, in is welcome address, Mr. K.P. Medhekar, IPS (Retd.), Chairman, IISSM, had expressed the concern that "the international security environment is still so sensitive and unpredictable that we must have a proper assessment of the situation of this area of human concern. To face such an area of darkness, we need to have highly trained professionals at all levels to advise and act, and help the governmental administrations. There can be no two views about this requirement of the present day." Emphasizing that security today was the fastest growing industry in the world with so much of money being invested in it globally, he raised the issue, "Should not part of it go into training and imparting knowledge processes as well as literature about the technology?" Further adding that the development of human resources had to be given due priority, he said modernization of training and knowledge of security system was no longer optional.
The ball was set rolling in the first few business sessions, outlining the principles of training and instructions and how to design security training programme. As the attached copy of the work schedule followed will show expert faculties covered different aspects of training including IT Security, Technological Aids & HRD. There was also a specific presentation on management technology by an established management expert. In a significant innovation, this year's Seminar included four presentations and panel discussions based on case studies in the banking sector, Gas Authority of India Limited, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, and the training systems of Mauritius. A very senior representative from the Indian Bank's Association had joined the panel on the banking sector. Also in the Seminar was a 5-member Malaysian delegation comprising senior banking executives. There was yet another detailed panel discussion in which representatives of leading private security agencies, both inside the country and abroad, shared their methodology, which, according to them, had taken them to the top. It was indeed a very learning experience for all.
It was a matter of great satisfaction that a visit by all delegates to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, one of the best institutes for security functionaries anywhere, could be organized, courtesy Mr. Kamal Kumar, the Director of the Academy. The occasion was utilized by the President and Director General, IISSM, to present, as a gesture of goodwill, some valuable books to the Academy. The concluding session of the Seminar was chaired by Dr. S. Padam, the Dean of the Administrative Staff College of India, one of the oldest and classical training institutes in the government sector.
Most participants spoke of the need for awareness education or training to management and other employees who are not from the security profession. Security professionals should furnish their considered recommendations with integrity and let the managements make the final decisions with responsibility. The understanding and voluntary cooperation of all employees would ensure excellent corporate security.
The camaraderie developed and witnessed during the course of the Seminar matched, as someone observed, the quality of food served both during the days of the Seminar and at the gala dinner on November 25, 2004. Of the 150 participants, including delegates and faculties, a substantial number was from the public sector undertakings and financial institutions. As many as 60 security service providers were represented in the Seminar. Besides representing different parts of the India, the participants this year had come from Malaysia, Singapore, UK, USA, South Africa and Mauritius. The Seminar evinced tremendous enthusiasm from local security practitioners that eventually led to the formation of the Hyderabad Chapter of IISSM, which was formally announced in the valedictory session of the Seminar.
The spouses (limited though) enjoyed their visit to the historic Salarjung Museum and also the much-talked-about "Ramoji City". The delegates had visited the historical Golkunda Fort and also enjoyed the son et lumiere show that transports one to the days of the yore.
The contest for annual professional awards, as usual, evoked considerable competition. It was so competitive that the Awards Committee thought it wise to give the Security Practitioner Award of the Year to two contestants. The other awards given this year were:
Security Agency of the Year 2004 - Vision Security Group, India. Security Practitioner of the Year 2004 - Mr. G. Madhusudan India. Private Investigator of the Year 2004 - Mr. Samuel F. Brown, USA. Security Operations Manager of the Year 2004 - Capt. (Retd.) S.B. Tyagi & Mr. Prakash Binjola, India. Safety Man of the Year 2004 - Late Madhusudan Prasad, India.
The Veteran's Award went to Mr. Harmon Singh, the eminent investigator from Singapore.
It is worth mentioning that IISSM-2004 had provided a good forum to two leading Security Magazines in India, namely, 'India Safe' and 'Security Today' to share their wares with the participants.
If what the participants had said in the open feedback session and expressed in their feedback reports as well, are brought on record, IISSM 2004 had indeed provided food for thought for all. Some valuable suggestions were also received. Despite the tight time schedule and the rigors of punctuality maintained in conducting the programme, the participants seemed to have enjoyed both the input and the interaction. The IISSM salutes the delegates for the level of interest and patience displayed by them. Their abiding interest in the proceedings was clear from the fact that the vast majority sat through the entire programme till late every evening. Their deep involvement was highly satisfactory and infectious. Some one joining the Seminar for the first time wrote, "I wish I had joined the IISSM Seminars many years back." We in the IISSM also learnt a lot. The entire event was a learning experience. From all indications, the future for the security profession definitely looked bright.
The road from Hyderabad comes back to New Delhi in 2005 where IISSM-2005 would be held. The exact dates and the venue of the Seminar will be duly announced in the IISSM Newsletter.
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