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!
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.”
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.
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!
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.
