Shri Loknath Behra, IPS, State Police Chief,

Shri A. Shajahan IAS, Secretary, General Education Department,

Shri Manoj Abraham IPS, Additional DGP, South Zone,

Shri P. Vijayan IPS, IG of Police, Police Head Quarters,

Shri S. Aananthakrishnan IPS, ADGP [HQ] and Chairman, Student Police Cadet Project,

Shri P. Prakash IPS, DIG, Armed Police Battalions,

My Dear Student Cadets,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,

Madhyama Suhruthukkale,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.

It gives me immense joy to inaugurate the Change Leaders' Meet 2019 of Student Police Cadets, organized by Kerala Police. 

As we all know, the Student Police Cadet Project is a partnership initiative of the departments of Education, Local Self Government, Transport, Excise, Forest, Fire and Rescue Services, Kerala Sports Council and the Civil Society.

Let me begin by complimenting the leadership of the Student Police Cadet Project for the tremendous growth this movement has achieved in the last nine 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 650 schools, covering over 53000 girl and boy cadets in the State.

The steady increase in the enrollment of students   underlines the impact of the vision behind the Student Police Cadet project. It also points to the great societal acceptance received by the noble vision of the Kerala Police to create a law abiding, responsible, capable and inclusive India through this project.  We can all be very proud that the Student Police Cadet Project of Kerala has become a model for other States and even other nations to follow. I understand that Government of India had decided to implement this programme in all States and union territories from 2018.   The credit for this matchless achievement goes to each and every Student Police cadet whose involvement and conduct in society reflects the true transformation of a student into a responsible citizen.

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. In fact, there is nothing more powerful and promising than the potential of youth. When you are young, you will be guided by innovative ideas that could change the world. I am certain that the training, value systems and orientation imparted to you through the Student Police Cadet Project have endowed you with the heart, energy and selflessness needed to serve society.

Today, India has great hopes about its young people. India has the largest population of young people and it is your duty to master the skills required to take advantage of this demographic dividend. When it comes to employment, our young graduates of the coming decade will have a lot more of opportunities. The preparation should start now itself, because, it's your generation which will be the graduates and post graduates of the next decade. I am sure that the Student Police Cadet project would equip you with the social awareness and life skills needed to build your future career.

We cannot ignore the fact that young people are also a matter of severe concern, especially when we consider the increase in the involvement of children in crimes. Student life is also a time when youngsters are misguided into the practice of social evils including intolerance, substance abuse, deviant behavior and anti-establishment violence.  As children, you must attain the courage to say a firm NO to such temptations. In fact, Student Police Cadets can help other students in this matter.

As you all know, by becoming a Student Police Cadet, you are trained to evolve as future leaders, committed to the task of helping in national development. You don't need to be elected or nominated as a leader, to show your leadership skills. It is often said that Leadership is a way of thinking, a way of acting and, most importantly, a way of communicating in a society. When I say communicating, I am not limiting to the way you talk to people; I also emphasize the importance of the way you conduct yourself in society.

The idea of leadership involves the willingness to take up responsibilities, which every young person must cultivate. Leadership does not confer authority on people; instead it   puts the weight of responsibility and the need for ethical behavior.  As a leader, you are responsible for your success as well as the success of those around you.  True leadership qualities can be nurtured only through meaningful social interactions. The training of a Student Police cadet involves the best social interactions which will empower you to develop your innate capabilities and give you the strong will to act against social evils. This transformation of your personality would also strengthen your commitment to your family, the community, and the environment.

The involvement of the Student Police Cadets in several activities has been noted by our society. I was happy to know about the digital empowerment of people at the grass-roots level, which was carried out through Student Police Cadets.
I have also seen 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 molding the 600 best performing Cadets to change leaders. Having successfully completed the Police Cadet training, you will now be expected to guide and support children by being young role models in our society. The richest treasure that you cadets would take home from this camp will be the messages of social responsibility, empathy for weaker sections and concern for the environment. I hope you would pass the messages to other children and even elders so that you support the creation of a humane and just society, which will be guided by the respect for the law and respect for the rights of others.

As change leaders, your role begins at your own homes. If you want to ensure equal rights for girls and boys, you must start by ensuring this equality in your own house. As student police cadets, you could also identify and help children who are facing emotional, behavioral and psychological problems. Most importantly, you can help others to understand the safest and most effective use of information technology, because that is one area where our youngsters need real guidance.

If you ask me about the best method to cultivate leadership skills, I would suggest a clear understanding of the   “Fundamental Duties” provided in Article 51-A of our Constitution. I can assure you that a person who understands the essence of these duties will certainly be a leader in society.

I would like to conclude by requesting all Student Police Cadets   to have their eyes and ears opened to the pulse of our society. I request them to make the best use of the educational opportunities offered by the schools. By cultivating good habits, maintaining good friends, by voicing your rights and by respecting the rights of others, you can attain high positions in life. You can also convince society that you are the greatest resources for the prosperity of our country.

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

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

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind