Steering a new path

A step forward

Come April and students in schools and colleges in the city will see the city’s police personnel will be conduction sessions and activities on topics like enforcement of traffic rules, staying away from drugs and respecting elders.

According to the recent directions from Rupak Kumar Dutta, Director General and Inspector General of Police, the circular states that police officers have to visit schools under their jurisdiction a couple of times in a month and initiate interactions with the students.

Parents are convinced that the involvement of police in primary and secondary education would help their wards get a better outlook of the world outside.
Kanthamani Sheshadri, mother of 16-year-old Balaji and 10-year-old Shiv, says that young adults do not accept advice instantly.

“Unless they experience something, they don’t accept it. With this move, children will get a sneak peek into the happenings around. To hear it from the horse’s mouth always makes a difference,” she adds.

With incidents challenging women’s safety rising in the city, Kanthamani says that it is important to understand the need to respect women and elders.
“Similar sensitive topics should be taken up by the school authorities,” she
says.

Agastya Rishi Kumar, father of 12-year-old Ridhi, says that altering children’s behaviour is a difficult task.

“Apart from talks, the departments should also take up activities to make the youth understand the need for a better tomorrow. It should start by becoming a healthier self and a respectful being,” he says.

Teachers also welcome this move with open arms. Tejaswini HM, principal of SJR College of Women, Rajajinagar, says that most young women aren’t aware of whom to seek help from when in danger.

“Most are not aware about the importance of reporting an incident. Talks like these will help to bring issues that lie hidden,” she says.

Usha Iyengar, a teacher with The New Cambridge English High School, Vijaynagar, says, “While instigating fear about the crimes, such sessions will also make youngsters realise that the police is accessible to all.”The police wants to establish a connect with youngsters which has led to such an initiative.

Malini Krishnamoorthy, additional commissioner of police (West) explains, “This circular states that all senior officers, ACPs, circle inspectors and sub-inspectors will need to discuss common issues of interest to create awareness among the youth. The law enforcement and the traffic departments will join hands for this.”
Though informal initiatives have been done by the police earlier, these increased interactions will lead to a better tomorrow, she believes.

“The DGP wants a more focussed approach so as to expose the youth to today’s happenings. The list of schools and colleges is being prepared. There are no hard and fast rules — we will be open to more activities according to an educational institution’s interest,” she adds.