https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Battling Covid 19 by Winning Hearts

When the deadly Covid19 was threatening to engulf the Churu district of Rajasthan, its SP Tejaswini Gautam did not pick up the baton. Love and empathy for the distressed people, at the same time engaging them in competitions and other creative pursuits, were her tools against the spread of coronavirus. In fact, one of her achievements may soon find a place in the Guiness Book of World Records!
Indian Masterminds Stories

When Covid19 struck India and the lockdown ensued, one big problem for the district administration and the law enforcement agencies was to keep the people indoor. In several places, such as Bhilwada, reports came of some police excesses- but that, in hindsight, was necessary to keep the coronavirus from spreading. But not at all places did the administration used undue force upon the residents. An exception stands out in the form of then Churu’s Superintendent of Police (SP), Ms. Tejaswini Gautam.

In fact, a popular “people’s scheme’’ initiated by Ms. Gautam may soon find an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records!

Ms. Gautam receiving grievances of people through video conferencing

A Police Officer Who Does Not Believe in Using Force

By her actions during the first- and probably most frightening- period of lockdown, Ms Gautam endeared herself to the large population of Churu. She busted the myth of a police officer using force as the first weapon of choice. In her case, it was engaging people in meaningful activities (such as online quizzes and competitions) which she chose as the first and last weapon to stop people from going bonkers. Not many were used to this level of containment in their houses. Some distressing reports, such as a man hanging himself in his room in Churu for fear of contracting Covid19, added to the sense of disquiet.

At present posted as SP of Alwar, Ms. Gautam spoke with Indian Masterminds about her experiences of COVID containment in Churu. ““No one had seen this kind of situation before. People were restless and feeling anxious. Suicide rates also increased during that time. It became obvious that the police had to be sensitive to peoples’ apprehensions. So, I and my team decide to engage people in a series of activities.”

Ms. Tejaswini Gautam; SP of Alwar

Engaging People Through Online Competitions

One such “activity’’ which the IPS launched in Churu was an online competition with 17 categories, and in which anyone older than three years could participate. The response to this was terrific. There were competitions in painting, cooking, pottery, comedy acting etc. It became a huge success. The competitions kept everyone busy and also held them creatively occupied, recalled Ms Gautam.

Not only were the winners of these competitions awarded, but paintings made by people also fetched good price at the auctions. This money was then given in the Rajasthan Chief Minister’s Covid Relief Fund.

Buoyed by the success of competitions, Ms. Gautam then launched two other programs in the district: ‘Churu fit hai’ (Churu is healthy) and ‘Mera Churu, Mera Farz’ (My Churu, My Responsibility). People were also encouraged to upload videos showing the good work being done by the people, administration, and the police. Since these people were also asked to ensure there was no violation of lockdowns in their areas, the videos uploaded by them helped the police in keeping an eye on the situation.

Ms. Gautam during a field visit

Facebook Live

One big challenge during the lockdown in Churu was to keep the people indoors, specially during the evenings. Most people would come outside the houses to buy essentials and sometimes it was impossible to control the crowd. Ms. Gautam says, “We were aware of the problems the people faced. Using punishment was never an option for me. So, we started a live session program to entertain and inform the people. This was also to ensure that they don’t start believing in some misconception about the virus.”

Under the leadership of Ms. Gautam, the Churu Police started live sessions program on their facebook page every day at 6 PM. Expert and celebrities from various field like theatre, comedy, sports, medicine, health, career, fitness etc. were roped in for the programs. They used to talk to them directly and gave them tips. In just one month , more than one crore people joined these live sessions!

Ms. Gautam during a meeting

Recalls Ms Gautam, “In one session, Dr. Sushila Kataria who treated the first group of Covid-19 positive patients from Italy, interacted with the viewers. We also arranged a session with paralympic champion player Devendra Jhajharia. Along with them, many career and management expert shared tips of success. In every few days we would do live sessions on mental health as well. With the support of people and celebrities, this program become a big hit.”

Since more than one crore people joined these live sessions in just one month, the Churu Police team is now planning to take the achievement of the Guinness Book of World Records!
Well done, Ms Tejaswini Gautam.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
SEBI
SEBI Appoints 3 New Executive Directors: Amit Pradhan, Avneesh Pandey & Sanjay Purao Take Charge
Lateral_entry_resized
No Reservation in Lateral Govt Job Entries, Centre Tells Rajya Sabha Citing Single-Post Rule
DelhiPolice
Top-Level Shake-Up in Delhi Police: 3 IPS Officers Reassigned Amid Security Concerns; Chahal Named DG, Civil Defence
mp
MP’s ₹3 Lakh Crore Infrastructure Boom: 255 km Greenfield Highway, ₹5,500 Cr Tiger Corridor Among Key Road Projects
FINNOVATION 2025
SBI & IIT Guwahati Celebrate FINNOVATION 2025 Winners in Gurugram, Empowering Young Innovators to Solve Banking Challenges
nitish-kumar
Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar Inaugurates Rs 44 Crore Six-Lane Pull-Up Ramp in Patna, Aims to Ease Traffic Congestion- Know More
CM yogi
UP: CM Yogi Inaugurates Two New Kalyan Mandaps in Gorakhpur, Emphasizes Accessible Celebration Spaces- Full Details Inside
CISF
National Security at Risk: Centre Opposes Supreme Court Ruling Curtailing IPS Deputation in CAPFs, Says IPS Presence is Crucial
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
Resisted Flawed Schemes, Transferred Thrice In Three Months, Found Solace In Writing
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
IAS SVR Srinivas on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Tough Calls, and the Real Power of IAS Officers | Video Interview
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
Dharavi Redevelopment: IAS Minds Turning 100-Year-Old Slum into a Modern City | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-12 at 7.27
First Attempt IRS, Fourth Attempt IPS: The Relentless Pursuit of Jitendra Kumar Yadav Who Cracked UPSC 3 Times
IPS Yadav is originally from Chhattisgarh. He was first selected for the IRS through UPSC and later for...
Social Media
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
IFS Susanta Nanda Video
A Mother’s Duty: Tigress Watches Over Cubs Splashing in Waterhole — Heartwarming Video Shared By Retd. IFS Officer Susanta Nanda
A tender wildlife video shared by Retd. IFS officer Susanta Nanda shows a tigress keeping watch over...
Mohanmala
Kaziranga Mourns: Beloved Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Five Decades of Service
Kaziranga National Park mourns the loss of Mohanmala, a beloved elephant who served over 50 years as...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
SEBI
SEBI Appoints 3 New Executive Directors: Amit Pradhan, Avneesh Pandey & Sanjay Purao Take Charge
Lateral_entry_resized
No Reservation in Lateral Govt Job Entries, Centre Tells Rajya Sabha Citing Single-Post Rule
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT