In an innovative yet touching initiative, Howrah City Police have converted a place once linked to the police into a nursery of hope for needy children. RJ Praveen, in a video posted on his Facebook and Instagram, pointed out how the balcony of the Women Police Station has turned into a classroom where the same kids who used to be involved in begging, scrap collecting, or pickpocketing are now being educated and dreaming of a bright future.
"Baranday Roddur"
The initiative is called "Baranday Roddur," which when translated stands for "sunshine on the veranda," commenced on 11 March 2024 with the leadership of Howrah Police Commissioner Shri Praveen Kr. Tripathi. Women Police Station officer-in-charge Inspector Kakali Ghosh Kundu stated that the project was facilitated with assistance from local people and organizations such as NGOs like Philanthropy. Afternoons from 4 p.m. see children in class, being coached and dreaming big where some wants be in police force while others want to join the army.
Changing lives, one child at a time
As RJ Praveen says, "This space may be small, but the dreams here are not." The officials of the station not only enforce the law but also encourage young minds with counsel, education, and hope. Before concluding his video, Praveen urges to the audience to come across the "verandas" in their lives where they can assist kids like these in need, either by donating books or spending an hour of their time teaching a child.
In a city which is usually characterised by adversity, this initiative is a beacon that shows change starts when action is paired with compassion. From handcuffs to textbooks, Howrah's Women Police Station is today a symbol of second chances and rising possibilities.
