To remove fear in the minds of children and change the narrative of a police station being a place for criminals only, Sundargarh Police in Odisha has started ‘Anand Ghar’, a child-friendly reading and activity centre, that mainly focuses on mending the public-police divide and creating a child-friendly atmosphere in the stations.
The initiative was launched on Independence Day 2021 in the presence of Odisha Higher Education Minister Arun Sahu, District Collector Nikhil Pawan and Superintendent of Police Sagarika Nath.
Indian Masterminds spoke to SP Sagarika Nath, who started this initiative, to get more details about it.
ANAND GHAR
‘Anand Ghar’ is a pilot project that’s been started in six police stations in densely populated locations of the district. It is being implemented at reserve police lines in Sankara, Kutra, Badgaon, Birmitrapur, and Sadar police stations.
SP Sagarika Nath said, “Knowledge is true power. With this initiative, I wish to inspire youngsters to read more, learn more, and make more informed decisions about their future. I also hope that youngsters see the police as allies rather than antagonists.”
She informed that in the first stage, infrastructure of the six police stations was developed with themed wall paintings, books, toys and furniture. Extra consideration was given to its design, painting, wall styles for kids, and children’s artwork.
To this, a library was also added. All the six police stations now have a separate reading zone, comprising fiction, nonfiction, bestsellers, and Encyclopaedias in both English and Odia.
Ms. Nath said, “All types of children, who have run afoul of the law, who are disturbed, or whose parents are involved in criminal activity are being catered and taken care of in these police stations.”
Apart from this, the ‘Anand Ghar’ also has a computer with internet facility so that children who are preparing for various examinations can use it to study.
ADVANTAGES
‘Anand Ghar’ also keeps study materials for competitive tests. Periodic events are held on a regular basis, including story-telling sessions, art competitions, debates, and speech competitions, among other things, to engage children and inculcate a positive impression of the police in their minds.
A suggestion/request box is also available, where children can request for additional books or study materials or make suggestions for improvement.
Ms. Nath said, “Those children who have run afoul of the law or are disturbed are provided counselling by counselors who are trained by UNICEF and Women and Child Development department ofthe Odisha government. Each police station has two women personnel who have been trained by these institutions.”
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated the efforts made by Sundargarh Police and asked every district in the state to replicate their initiative.
‘Anand Ghar’ has managed to create a positive environment in the police stations, as little children can now be seen playing with toys or reading books amidst the bright and colourful surroundings.
