AHMEDABAD: PM Narendra Modi cautioned those graduating from Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) against the perils of the uniform. He said that while the ‘prabhav’ (impact) of the uniform should be maintained, it’s value increases with ‘manavta’ (humanity). He was speaking at the first convocation of the university and the ceremony to dedicate it to the nation.
“Many of you may be thinking that once you get a uniform, the entire world is yours (sari duniya muththi main). I urge you friends not to get into this trap,” said PM Modi to the graduating students at RRU. “It’s not an act of increasing the value of the uniform… The uniform’s value increases when there is humanity within, when there is compassion, there’s a sense of justice towards motherssisters, Dalits, the downtrodden and those without means. ”
Earlier in his speech, the PM said police are often shown in a poor light in films and other media. During the Covid pandemic, police forces carried out many humanitarian activities, he said, adding that officers and personnel can change perceptions through their deeds.
“Post-Independence, there was a need for reform in the country’s security apparatus. A perception had developed that we have to be careful of uniformed personnel. This has changed.
When people see uniformed personnel now, they get an assurance of help,” he said.
A total of 1,091 students, from since 2017 were conferred degrees and gold medals for academic excellence. Raksha Shakti University (RSU) had earlier conducted three convocations, said officials. RSU was set up as the brainchild of PM Modi, who was the CM of Gujarat at the time of its founding in 2010.
The PM stressed on the changed nature of law and order challenges in the 21st century. He cited example of the British Raj, where wellbuilt men would be recruited who would help run the system with the uniform and baton. “Today’s policing requires skills like negotiating… mob or crowd psychology also needs to be studied,” he said.
