“I remember when first time I ran one mile, I almost fainted at the end of the run. But regular motivation and training sessions by the Ustaads, enabled me to complete the triathlon event which consisted by 1.5 kms swimming, 40 kms cycling and 10 kms running at a stretch and a half marathon in the last week of training,” said Rahul Goel, an IPS officer undergoing training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA).
The occasion was Honorable President of the India, Ms. Draupadi Murmu’s visit to the academy on 27th December. During her visit she addresses and met the 74RR (Regular Recruit) batch of IPS probationers along with 29 trainee officers from the friendly foreign countries which includes Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Mauritius. All these probationers have already completed 40 weeks of their first phase training.
There is a Michael Angelo’s statue as one enters the Academy. It says -There already is a fine officer in you. Help us chisel it out, said Mr Goel, who hails from President Murmu’s home state Odisha. Narrating his journey Goel said, – I come from Kalahandi where education was and still is, a distant dream for most of us. However, with God’s blessings and with Parents’ support, I cleared the UPSC exam and was allocated the IPS. When I joined the service, I was excited and apprehensive at the same time regarding rigors of the training.
Besides Rahul Goel some other probationers too shared their experiences at the Academy. Some couldn’t hold their joy at the opportunity of meeting the President of India, who is appointing authority of all civil servants. Valay Vaidya from Gujarat shared his excitement at a photo shared by President’s official twitter handle by retreating it with a comment – Got featured on my appointing authority’s twitter handle.
Ms. Murmu placed a wreath at the Martyrs memorial of the Indian Police Service officers who laid down their lives on the altar of duty in the service of the nation. Along with the President, Governor of Telangana Ms. Tamilisai Soundararajan and Minister of Child & Development (Telangana) Ms. Satyavathi Rathod was also present during the visit and attended the session. At the end Director, SVPNPA Mr. A S Rajan felicitated the president and other VIPs.
DIRECTOR SHARED THE MOTTO OF ACADEMY
IPS probationer of 74 RR Ms. Anjali Vishwakarma who was anchoring the whole session chaired by the president started with welcoming all and introducing the probationers. After which Mr. Rajan gave the welcoming speech and said that he feels proud & privileged to host the president. In his speech he also emphasized how the content & methodology at the academy have designed to keep the pace with the dynamic requirement & emerging challenges of policing in the contemporary world. He said, “As our Prime Minister emphasizes on SMART police that is Strict & Sensitive, Modern & Mobile, Accountable, Responsible, Tech Savy & Trained, the academy works on the same motto. Sincere efforts have been made to inculcate highest standard of conduct, integrity & professionalism to the needs & aspirations of India.”
I WILL CHERISH THIS VISIT, SAID Ms. MURMU
While addressing the probationers, honourable president said that she will always cherish this visit to the academy. She also congratulated everyone and said they all deserve high appreciation for their merit & determination. Motivating the officers she said, “If you remain steadfast to pursuing the dream of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, you’ll make immense contribution to the country and its people.”
Madam President also shared her happiness on seeing many girls among the probationers. She said, “I wish, I was born in today’s time as it was difficult for a woman to be a police officer in the past. It gives me immense pride to see that now women are also ready to fight the social problems & crimes. I want to thank each one for their bit.”
In the program various probationers also shared their experiences in the academy. Rahul Goel of 74 RR said that the academy has helped him & others to test their limits and be fearless & strong. Whereas Subramanya Kelkar talked about the importance of policing in the future and how the academy is slowly molding them from students to officers.
