The document discusses the theme "Engineering Preparedness for Disaster Mitigation" which has been selected for Engineers' Day on September 15th, 2011. It notes that natural disasters have increased in frequency and intensity, causing over 5 million casualties and huge economic losses in the last decade. The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan demonstrated the devastating impact of natural disasters and highlighted the need for engineering and technical solutions to better prepare for such events. The document advocates applying modern technologies like satellite communication, renewable energy, and robotic systems to disaster mitigation efforts including early warning systems, temporary shelters, search and rescue, and raising public awareness of mitigation techniques.