Shri Benny Behanan, Member of Parliament,
Shri Anwar Sadat, Member of Legislative Assembly,
Shri Loknath Behra IPS, State Police Chief,
Shri Jacob Punnoose IPS, Retired DGP,
Shri K Sreekumar, State Secretary, Kerala State Pensioner’s Welfare Association [KSPPWA],
Shri P.K. Lambodaran Nair IPS, President, KSPPWA,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.
I am very happy to inaugurate the fourth annual State Convention of the Kerala State Police Pensioner’s Welfare Association.
At the outset, let me compliment the Kerala State Police Pensioner’s Welfare Associationfor its active role in bringing all retired police personnel, right from Director General of Police to Civil Police Officers, under its umbrella and helping the members in different ways. I am informed that the Association has over 22000 members spread out in 17 Police districts of the State.
I am well aware that all of you have gone through the challenges of policing during your days in uniform. In retired life, most of you would be recalling the utmost care and caution with which you carried out the work of policing. You may have endured criticism for no fault of yours. And quite often, authorities and people would have been reluctant to thank or even acknowledge the services you offered. Yet, I am certain that the majority of retired Police personnel would be taking pride in having served the Police force of Kerala.
Quite often, we see people distancing themselves from the areas of their official work, once they retire from service. But, professions like Police, medical care, teaching etc. are not areas from which one should move away, in the name of retirement. It is true that unlike doctors, Police personnel may not be able to officially perform the duties they once did, but their expertise and inputs based on experience can be well utilized by society.
As we all know, the Police play a crucial role in sustaining a healthy democracy by maintaining Rule of law, which is essential for the progress of any society. Rule of law is established in society, not through force, but mainly through the support and disciplined participation of its citizens. It is in ensuring such an informed and disciplined involvement of society that retired police personnel could be of great service.
I am informed that in many places, former Police officers are guiding Residents' Associations and other civil groups in cooperating with the Jana Maitri Police. This is a very laudable step, since people would be more comfortable in interacting with you rather than serving officers who would be racing against time, due to their workload. Moreover, the retired Police personnel could function as helpful mediators in people's interactions with the Police. I am informed that the success of Jana Maitri Police and the inclusion of more children in the Student Police Cadet scheme owe a lot to the involvement and encouragement from retired Police officers.
Your involvement could also reinforce in the minds of the people, an image of the Police as a true friend and guide of society. Unfortunately, through cinema and other media, people often get a distorted, exaggerated and even fictionalized impression about the Police. This is something that needs urgent correction by people like you who know the facts.
Today, our society faces several issues which ultimately affect the rule of law and the well being of citizens. One instance is the increase in the number of cases related to Cyber offenses, where youth are involved. Unfortunately, one of the reasons behind such issues is a disregard for law, sometimes due to lack of awareness. And this happens at a time when the role of Police has been widening beyond that of a law enforcing agency. Creation of awareness about what is legal and what is illegal has also become a necessity, for which your involvement and cooperation could prove very helpful. I hope your Association would bring this to the attention of the Government.
I mentioned these things because I am a person from the Judiciary, conscious of the positive role that Police personnel could play in society, even after their retirement. I have great appreciation for the role played by this Association in helping its members through financial help for treatment and other necessities. It is the unity of the profession that reflects in the Association's sincerity in serving its members who come to various cities for treatment and other purposes. What I find as special is the readiness of the members to visit the houses of former colleagues who are bedridden and to offer them consolation and help.
I am informed that this Association could donate over Rupees Four lakh to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund during the time of cyclone Ockhi and over Rupees Two lakh during the last year Flood. I compliment the members of this Association for contributing houses to two flood affected families. I am told that the third house is under construction. What is truly commendable is that the funds for these activities were raised solely from the members of the Association and not from the people or business houses.
To conclude, let me share with you the joy of knowing that the members of this Association work like a family, involving in the welfare of each other. It is through such regular interactions that a relation initiated by a profession continues to enrich hundreds of lives. I pray that this cooperation and togetherness continues through the batches of police personnel who join the Association. I also hope that your interaction with people and involvement in social events make a positive impact in maintaining harmony in society.
I wish all members of the Association a healthy, happy and active life ahead.
Let me also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
