| Polassery, Vaikkom, Ernakulam |
Self help to find employment; inspiration for the next generation; freedom from the menace of thieves and burglars – the benefits of the unofficial ‘police training academy’ being run by the people of Polassery, Vaikkom are many.
This Ward of 2000 persons has produced about 200 persons in khakhi uniform, of whom 75 are still in service.
Every morning sees the mass run and exercise of the policemen-in-service and the would-be law-enforcers. Exercise over, the employed go to their jobs while others engage themselves in jobs at the market. The willingness to do any work, good physique and a clear mind make them fit to be future policemen.
In the evenings, free general knowledge classes are conducted in the Devi Temple compound. These classes sometimes go late into the night and are helpful to the aspirants of the khakhi uniform. “This experience in social work can be considered as the first step in serving the society in uniform,” says V.S.Raghavan, a native of the village and a Superintendent of Police in the Crime Branch.
The festivals of the land bring them all together. Ashtami festival at Vaikkom sees most of them avail leave and land in their village. If 10 persons gather in the market, there will be the presence of a policeman. There is thus an inbuilt tendency to maintain law and order and is an inspiration for the children.
Where there is a mongoose, snakes usually do not gather. Anti-social elements or burglars do not disturb the peace of the village. For there will be atleast one policeman patrolling the village streets to ensure that.
Courtesy:
T.R.Ramya, Mathrubhumi, January 7, 2006
Contributed by: Administrator
