Not long ago, Rajkot’s Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Hostel was a haven for rowdies. This place, established for scheduled caste students who couldn’t afford to live in rented accommodations, had become a den of aimless youngsters brainwashed by anti-social elements.
IPS officers – Gujarat IB Chief Mr Anupam Gehlot and SP State Reserve Police (SRP), Mr Karanraj Vaghela, set an example by bringing the rowdy students on track and helping them in acquiring respectable job opportunities.
SURAKSHA SETU SOCIETY
The officers encouraged them towards better education and helped them in preparing for competitive exams and securing a job, under the Suraksha Setu Society, Gujarat’s community policing project. They organized regular coaching classes for various exams targeting all class jobs.
“We also welcomed all the district’s underprivileged minority students in addition to those from MG. They were transported in vehicles from their hostels to the police training facility, which gave them the feeling of being in touch with cops,” Mr. Vaghela shared in an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds.
DIFFERENT BATCHES
With separate batches organized on different days for different job profiles, the officers launched six projects under the society. Within a few months of training, they tasted success as 75 students were selected for jobs on their first attempt. Hundreds of students then registered to attend the coaching workshops.
“Even this year, 22 students from MG Hostel have cracked the state police exam out of which 20 students became police constables, one became PSI, and another student became ASI. Apart from that, a student of our hostel acquired the first rank in the entire country, in RBI’s exam!” shared the officer.
ALWAYS THERE
Even though both officers have been transferred, MG hostel remains an important part of their lives as they attempt to visit the students regularly and keep track of their education and exams. During their exams, Mr. Vaghela communicates with them and guides them via video calls.
Mr. Vaghela ensures that students receive the necessary books and study materials to stay updated with the world and study per the current syllabus. He has developed a complete library filled with necessary books for them.
CUTTING DOWN CRIME
Rajkot’s crime rate has dropped drastically because of the project. Students brainwashed into rioting, disorder, and hooliganism are now busy with studying, appearing for exams and establishing a better life for themselves.
“The hostel, whose reputation was previously marred, is now the talk of the town. Due to students’ commitment and success, it is gaining a reputation as a school where SC students want to enrol. College students start preparing for competitive exams from the first year itself, and by the final year, they clear the exam and get a job,” he told Indian Masterminds.
Every year, hundreds of students from MG hostel get placed in good jobs and lead their life towards a better future, all thanks to the two hardworking officers.
