Shri K Muraleedharan, Member of Legislative Assembly,

Shri V.K. Prasanth, Mayor, Corporation of Trivandrum

Shri Loknath Behra, IPS, State Police Chief

Dr. B Sandhya, IPS, ADGP, South Zone

Shri K.V Mohan Kumar, IAS, Director of Public Instructions

Shri Manoj Abraham, IPS, Inspector General of Police,

Shri P Vijayan, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Kochi Range

Shri Sparjan Kumar, IPS, Commissioner of Police

My Dear Student Cadets,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare, Madhyama Suhruthukkale,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,

       It gives me immense joy to inaugurate the seventh Student Police Cadet Summit, organized jointly by Kerala Police and the Department of Education, Government of Kerala.

       Let me begin by complimenting the leadership of the Student Police Cadet Project for the wonderful growth this movement has achieved in the last seven years. This school-based youth development initiative which was launched in August 2010 in 127 schools, with just above 11,000 students,   is now operational in 574 schools in the State.

The great popularity and acceptance gained by this project is evinced by the increase in enrolment to over 42,000. What is more gratifying is that the Student Police Cadet scheme of Kerala has become a model for other States and even other nations to follow. I understand that Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka and Rajasthan have already followed Kerala's example. I must say that the credit goes to each and every cadet, who joined the scheme and ensured his or her active involvement.

       All you cadets are going through the best and the most energetic years of your lives. This is a period of your transition from childhood into the role of responsible citizens. The power and the potential of the youth have always instilled great hope of the future in the minds of many leaders. Swamy Vivekananda once said: “If I can get some young people of heart and energy, I shall revolutionize the whole country”.  He also believed that if he had with him a few men and women who were spotless and selfless, he could shake the world. I am certain that the training, value systems and orientation imparted to you through the Student Police Cadet scheme have endowed you with the heart, energy and selflessness needed to serve society.

       True, we have come a long way from the days of Vivekananda, but our trust in the potential of the youth has only doubled over the years. Today, India has the largest population of young people and it is your duty to take advantage of this demographic dividend by developing as world citizens who will learn, think and perform globally. The Student Police Cadet project should equip our students with the social awareness and life skills needed to prepare for leveraging the demographic dividend.

       When you enroll as a Cadet, you are trained to evolve as future leaders of a democratic society. Leadership does not confine to political leadership alone.  Leadership is more about responsibility than about any authority. Qualities like respect for the law, discipline, civic sense, empathy for vulnerable sections of society and the strong will to act against social evils would enable you to explore and develop your innate capabilities. The transformation of your personality would also strengthen your commitment to your family, the community, and the environment.

       Just imagine, over 42,000 youngsters entering society, powered by the will to combat social evils like intolerance, substance abuse, deviant behavior, and anti-establishment violence. Your entry could generate a positive energy, capable of igniting a social revolution that emphasizes fundamental responsibilities along with Rights. At a time when instances of youngsters engaging in violent crimes, rape, robbery and murder are increasing, the presence of Student Police Cadets as models of peace, spiritualism, non-violence, love and tolerance, would be a powerful corrective force in society.  

       The involvement of the Student Police Cadets in several activities has been noted by our society. I was happy to know last year that the digital empowerment of people at the  grass-roots level in the State was planned to be carried out through Student Police Cadets. We also see student Police Cadets engaged in Traffic awareness campaigns. Such social interactions provide a valuable education that classrooms cannot offer.

        I understand that this State level camp is conducted for the 600 best performers from all the districts, to strengthen them further to utilize their service and commitment to mentor, guide and support more children in our society. I hope all the cadets would take home the messages of social responsibility, empathy for weaker sections and concern for the environment and pass the messages to others so that you help in the creation of a humane and just society, where citizens follow the laws willingly and respect the rights of others.

       I would personally request all cadets to take a special interest in creating awareness about gender equality and the need to respect and protect the rights of children, especially girls.  As all of you are aware, cases of violation of child rights, especially the rights of the girl child, are being reported too often in our State.  We also find around us, many children facing emotional, behavioral and psychological crisis. The Student Police Cadets could help in identifying such cases so that they receive timely help. I am certain that the 1,148 teachers and over 1,500 trained police personnel who associate with the Student Police Cadet scheme would help to initiate follow up action on such cases.

In addition I request all Student cadets that you must keep in mind the “Fundamental Duties” provided in our Constitution reads as under:

Part IV A - The Fundamental Duties

       Article 51-A: It shall be duty of every citizen of India:

a)  to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;

b)  to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;

c)   to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;

d)  to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;

e)  to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;

f)    to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;

g)  to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures;

h)  to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;

i)     to safeguard public property and to abjure violence,

j)    to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement. 

k)   who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case maybe, ward between the age of six and fourteen.

       In conclusion, I hope that all the Student Cadets and teachers attending this seven day Camp would benefit from the training and interactive sessions. Let us strengthen ourselves through the knowledge and leadership skills we acquire from this camp so that we help to create a stronger and better tomorrow.  

       I compliment each and everyone who engineered the Student Police Cadet project and the organizers for conducting this function and the Camp in a befitting manner.

       I once again greet all the student cadets and wish them the strength and fortitude to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Ellaavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind