Patna: Bihar governor Syed Ata Hsanain on Saturday said that disasters have a cascading impact on national security and, hence, citizens of the country should behave like warriors in relief efforts to mitigate the sufferings caused by calamities.Delivering the second Chanakya Memorial Lecture on “disaster management and national security” at Chanakya national Law University (CNLU) here, the governor noted that modern warfare is increasingly hybrid and multi-front, and emphasized that disaster management should be well integrated into national security strategy. Citing examples of creation of Bangladesh subsequent to cyclone Bhola in 1970 and Houthis problem arising due to droughts in Somalia, Hasnain praised Bihar’s proactive disaster-preparedness initiatives.He also urged the army to create only necessary and not lavish infrastructure in eco-sensitive state of Uttarakhand. He also appreciated the Indian army for their remarkable work during the Sikkim crises of 2023 when vital infrastructure was wiped out. He invited academic collaboration from CNLU to strengthen future disaster resilience programs in the state of Bihar.Presiding over the event, CNLU’s chancellor and Patna High Court’s chief justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, underlined the significance of climate-change resilience and constitutional duties. He observed, “Disaster resilience is not a war against an enemy, but against the unknown,” and reminded the authorities that ensuring citizens’ welfare is the foremost responsibility of the government. Justice Sahoo explained that robust governance and proper implementation of relief schemes can drastically cut human loss in disasters. He endorsed Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s principle that disaster-affected people have first claim on the exchequer of the state.Evoking Chanakya’s enduring legacy in nation-building, CNLU vice-chancellor Faizan Mustafa observed that disasters plunge society into chaos and that leaders must uphold “Rajdharma” – the righteous duty to instill hope and protect the affected people. Citing examples from the Bhopal gas tragedy and the COVID-19 pandemic to the Kerala floods, he emphasized that building community solidarity is essential in every crisis response.The event was marked by the presence of senior officials from law enforcement and administration, including DGP Vinay Kumar, director general (vigilance) Jitendra Singh Gangwar, state water resources department’s principal secretary Santosh Kumar Mall, and the faculty members and students of CNLU.