Ayodhya: Lauding the exemplary performance of policemen deployed in the temple town of Ayodhya, additional director general of Lucknow zone, Praveen Kumar, said that it is a matter of pride for policemen that while discharging duties they get the opportunity to heal the wounds of an individual suffering from personal or emotional trauma. The accomplishments of Ayodhya police were celebrated during the Police Pride Awards, an event jointly organised by The Times of India and Navbharat Times at Ramayana Hotel in Ayodhya on Friday.A panel of senior officials deputed in Ayodhya was asked to shortlist men in uniform who have set an example through their actions while facing tough situations during their postings. Ever since Ram temple was inaugurated on Jan 22, 2024, crores of devotees have been visiting Ayodhya and the rush has posed a challenges for the men in uniform. Though additional deployment of police force was done to deal with the pressure, regular visits of dignitaries and VVIPs often resulted in complex situations, as cops had to face the wrath of residents on such occasions.“It is time to acknowledge the efforts of the unknown faces who stand on the ground in uniform, braving the extreme weather of the Awadh region alongside tough situations that emerge while dealing with the public directly,” ADG Praveen Kumar said.Overwhelmed with emotions while offering gratitude to dedicated police personnel, the 2001 batch IPS officer said, “As officers, we all need to be proud about the fact that we are the most visible agents deputed to defend the Constitution. Private companies and industrial groups, through their corporate social responsibility initiatives, are doing something good for society. But policemen are among a very few who get a chance to help a person in distress while getting paid.“One such awardee among the 36 who were selected under 17 different categories, Ashvini Pandey, station house officer of Nagar Kotwali, was adjudged the most effective policeman.“Having been deputed for a long period, Pandey has been discharging his day-to-day duties with complete sincerity. Local traders, businessmen, seers, saints as well as common residents have honoured him on different occasions and have been offering only positive feedback. That is how he was shortlisted among the most effective men in khaki,” an officer said.Senior officials said that many more personnel who work in the background without seeking credit could not be felicitated but, through such events, their efforts were also being celebrated.“We need to keep working positively and release positive vibes in society,” said special guest on the occasion, Bharat Das Maharaj, chief of Udasin Ashram in Ayodhya.
