Rajamandala

Rajamandala 

Celebrated with the name "Kautilya", Chanakya was well renowned because of his sheer cunningness, which bears the meaning "liar". Being a person with great pride, ego and an ocean of knowledge, he has helped Chandragupta conquer Bharat in a decisive way.  A person with such wisdom has left a pile of texts for his descendants to follow and lead the world. The script called Arthashastra written by Chanakya plays the role of Geeta for the police, politicians and defense system of India. 

Rajamandala or Chanakya's Concentric Circle is one such theory documented in Chankaya's magnus opus, the Arthshastra devised to defeat his enemies by all means possible (Saam: persuade , Daam: purchase , Dand: punish and Bhed: exploit the weakness). The timeless theories of Chanakya are now exercised by Indian defense and political system to run the country.

 Rajamandala theory is an expression of a kingdom's internal and external dominion. It is purely based on the assumption that " your neighbor is your natural enemy and the neighbor's neighbor is your friend". It can be described as a set of concentric circles surrounding the center. The Center represents the ruler, and the concentric circles around the king represent the neighboring countries that play the part of enemy or ally. The immediate circle (kingdom) encircling the center (king) represents a natural enemy, the consequent circle encircling the previous circle is considered as the ally, and this sequence is followed by the subsequent circles. The concentric circle theory is basically conceptualized on "sandwiching the enemy". 

The said theory has a undeniable resemblance with the post independence relations of India with its's neighboring countries. As one can put it, India has always had a rivalry with it's neighbor Pakistan, and a strained relation with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Meanwhile India has always tried to build a bridge with the nations  having same intermediate neighbors. This gives a clear depiction of the Rajamandala theory amidst Indian and neighboring lands, with the first circle encircling India's immediate neighbor, the second encircling its extended neighborhood and the third encircles the whole global stage.

In this cyber era, the physical border enmity is overcome by the countries and has expanded to a new horizon. Now, it is not only about the country we share borders with but its also about the countries we didn't know even existed in Mauriyan era.  

The Rajamandala has played a major role in structuring the shape of the Indian sub continent, and this concept is still shaping the minds of our stake holders. However, the description above clearly states an act by Kautilya in order to enhance power and self interest. Whereas, war and peace are solely based on profit. This policy has been criticized by many for being ruthless and immoral but in fact it is being practiced everywhere.

Despite the criticism it is still believed that "Every neighboring state is an enemy and the enemy's enemy is friend".

Policing in India

Policing in India dates back to a long history consisting of traces and bits which need to be compiled together to narrate the whole story. It has been a practice since Vedic period which did not consist of a designated force of people; the traces of it can be found in the Rig Veda and Atharva Veda. In order to keep in check the unlawful elements of the society, the concept of "Dharma" (Later known as Law) was introduced by the peace loving people of the society. In Vedic India, as there was no authority like King in that era, God was considered as the supreme entity behind Dharma. The concept of "Dharma" was also mentioned in the Shanti Parva of Mahabharat as "There was neither kingdom nor the king, neither punishment nor the guilty to be punished. people were acting according to Dharma and thereby protecting one another" (Jois, M.Ram, Legal and Constitutional History of India, vol.1, p, 575).

The Harappa Civilization and Mauryan Period also showed the presence of policing in the then society.  One of the leading foundation for policing in India was put by Chanakya. Kautilya's Arthashashtra still plays a major role in defining the role and responsibilities of police and is regarded as the Gita (Holy book) of Policing in recent times. It had all the important concepts of policing that we are still struggling to imply in our system, which can be listed as:

• Community Policing : The villagers were responsible for detection and prevention of crime under the authority of the headman.

• Royal Household Guards (VVIP protection) : Danvarika

• Lady Officer : Antevansika, Women guards of Royal Palace.

• Police Officers : Dandapala, Durgpala and Antpala 

• Forest Police : Atavikas 

With the passing time, the police force continued to consist of royal guards and soldiers. Other than these the Indian society did not have police dedicated for people of the kingdom. 

With the advent of British rule in India the term "Police" came into existence in the subcontinent. The British police concept consisted of brutality, abusive language, indecent behavior and corruption towards the Indian population.  This concept of misconduct somehow continued with the Indian Police after independence. Even after these many years of Independence the Indian Population prefers to handle the serious incidents themselves instead of contacting the Police. This gives the notion that the population fears to get involved with the police as it is seen as a bad thing in the society. With the modernity achieved along time, the Indian population is slowly changing its perspective about police. This change of notion in the society started with the initiatives taken by police, like the Community Policing Programmes, inclusion of Women in Policing and many more. This has brought a change of mind set in the recent population and has given a brand new image to the police. While an image created is difficult to maintain for anybody, in this era of visual perfection, everybody sees us as we present ourselves, it applies to police too.

Strong Together

 Strong Together

From: https://www.janaagraha.org/community-policing/

“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”
– J.K. Rowling

This quote vividly describes the past and present of people living in India. 

Viewing back in time, the "Pandavas" in Mahabharata acted as the five fingers of a hand, forming a fist to defeat the evil "Kauravas" and the fight for freedom we fought together to earn back ourselves a life of self esteem and dignity, sets up great examples to describe the quote.

Likewise, the Indian police is fighting a war against the crime in the society, to effectively deter their occurrence. But let alone the police is not the sole responsible institution for the prevention of crimes and providing a crime free and peaceful environment to the society. It is the responsibility of each citizen to cooperate and help the police in maintaining a society where the youth can prosper and old people feel safe.

 

Community policing is such an initiative which allows the community to be a part of a greater cause. It is a collaboration between the police and the community to identify and solve the community problems. Now, with police not being the sole keeper of law and order, the whole community act as active allies to maintain a safer society. It is a very common term used and practiced in the western countries, but still is in its developing stage in India. 

India being a colonized country in the past has left a scar in people's hearts against the police. Indians have a fear of police, rather than going to police in case of any emergency they prefer avoiding them. Reinvention of the community and police relationship can play a key factor to deter crime and create a more vital neighborhood. Trust is the value that plays a vital role for this association, and has helped to build and strengthen it. India has now taken a few steps towards this syndicate of police and community which has displayed fruitful results. 

Some of the examples of these successful initiatives in India are:

• Tamil Nadu: Coimbatore and Trichy, two cities in India had high crime rates before implementation of the "Friends of Police" program. Introduction of this program had brought a considerable amount of improvement in the condition.

• Assam: "Neighborhood watch scheme" and "AASWAS" are two such programs introduced in Assam that helped the police to improve their image and combat violence & insurgency respectively.

• Andhra Pradesh: Introduction of "Maitri" scheme in AP increased public's confidence in police with respect to maintaining peace and order in society. It helped to teach people how to police themselves and their surrounding.

• Delhi: A number of community policing programs were introduced in the city like "Special Police Officers", "Neighborhood Watch Scheme" and "Neighborhood Watch Committee" to keep the crime rate at bay with the help of community.

• Maharashtra: "Mohalla" is such scheme introduced and has now become an integral part of the community. The Mohalla committee helps the police to maintain law and order in the society and prevent crimes.

Many more such initiatives should be started in different regions of India which will help the police to prevent crime at its initial stage, additionally improving their image in the society. 

At the end of the day, we should consider police as our friend as they are humans protecting the society and working day and night for our safety. Helping and communicating with them will not only help the police or the person concerned, but will also help to improve our surroundings. As it is said earlier, we are as strong as we are united, so stay STRONG TOGETHER. 

Small Triumphs

Small Triumphs

Outlook India Photo Gallery - Indian Air Force

“Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history.

-Mary Roach 

In our busy routine, we often overlook the little things that our beloved ones have done to please us. Nowadays, Crowd looks forward to see the larger actions. Beyond this mind set, there are still some kind-hearted souls who heed and act beyond their call of duty. The Indian Police is quite an entity that is often feared by civilians, but there are plenty of instances that express the life-size heart they carry which is nothing to be fearful of.  These instances may not have gained a great publicity, but they were heartfelt deeds by the Indian Police for humane causes. I've tried to shed more light on these overlooked acts of our Police that makes a person's life more worth living.

Here I have shared some small victories that inspires us to be good and do well.

·        MP Cop saved 700 students by running 1km carrying 10kg bomb!

MP Policeman Runs 1Km with 10 kg Bomb, Saves 400 School Children

An anonymous call was received in Chitora Village of Madhya Pradesh that caused havoc in the school of 400 students. The call tipped the police about the presence of explosives in the school premises. It was at that time that the brave Head Constable Abhishek Patel risked his life by racing for 1km carrying a 10kg bomb on his shoulder. This act of selfless bravery made him a hero of the hearts.

·    Cop carried pilgrim suffering from heart-attack 2km uphill on his back!

Uttarakhand Cop Carries Heart Attack-Stricken Pilgrim Uphill For 2 Km on Back! 

A 55-years old pilgrim, Ranjhi Rajag was saved by Sub-Inspector Lokendra Bahuguna from the Barkot Police Station in Uttarkashi district. While travelling to the temple, the old man had a mild heart-attack. Followed by his collapse in-front of Yamunotri Shrine in Garwahal Himalayas, Sub-Inspector Lokendra carried him 2km uphill on his back for his aid and saved him from dying. This act of kindness will always be remembered with gratitude by Ranjhi Rajag and his family.

·     Cops in Bengaluru performed cremation of the deceased 5 year old sexual assault victim.

A child rape victim's mother had no money to cremate her, Bengaluru cops did the last rites | The News Minute

A 5 year old sexually assaulted victim died at hospital in bengaluru. After death, postmortem was performed on the body and it was shifted to the hospital. After all the necessary steps a bill of Rs1.7 lakhs was handed over to the widowed mother making her burst into tears as she had no money to pay. But the hospital was obstinate not to release the body until the bill was settled. At that time, Talagattapura Police Inspector, Pamappa Gutther helped her by contacting a private firm that paid the bill to release the dead girl’s body. The officer and his staff also helped the widowed lady to transfer her daughter’s body to the crematorium on their own expense. They also sought help from a NGO that paid Rs 10,000 to the lady to perform her daughter’s final rites.

·    Brave cop wades through chest-deep waters to rescue 6 months old after father tweets!

Brave Cop Wades Through Chest-Deep Water to Save Infant After Father's Tweet !

As several places in Mumbai were submerged in waist-deep water, a tweet addressing Palghar police by Sharad Jha made the police to act fast. The tweet mentioned the serious condition of Sharad Jha’s 6 month old daughter, Chetna who needed medical attention. The water logged streets and apartment made it difficult for the family to move the toddler to the hospital.  Constable Gite from Manikpur Police Station took the responsibility to rescue the toddler. He crossed chest-deep waters to rescue the child, wrapped her in a soft blanket and took her to the nearby hospital. In his interview he stated that he thought of her as her own daughter and did what was necessary. Constable Gite did not stop after saving Chetna, but he managed to rescue many other flood stranded citizens too.

These small acts of kindness and selfless deeds do not make it to the headlines of the newspapers, but they deserve to be remembered and celebrated by every person. Little appreciation for these small triumphs makes them more enjoyable and satisfying, and lightens the urge to do good in our hearts. So do well and be kind because……

“Your good deeds might seem invisible, but they leave a trail that is imprinted on the hearts of others.”

-Gail Hennessey