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Vrinda Shukla[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Sep. 11: A video of superintendent of Phek police (SP) Vrinda Shukla’s farewell speech has been trending on social media for an emotional reason. The Nagaland cadre officer of the 2014 batch who was posted as Phek’s police chief has been given inter-cadre transfer from Nagaland to Uttar Pradesh on grounds of marriage.
In her 14:52 minutes address, with Nagamese in it, Shukla called the day emotional as she was not only leaving the district but biding goodbye to Nagaland too. Shukla can be seen breaking down during her speech. She said to be fortunate to have seen a fair share of the world and its various beautiful places but Nagaland, she said, was one of the finest places that she had ever been to.
Shukla says: “You all are the finest people that I have ever seen and will ever see. Your society is so graceful and dignified and I have learned so much from you all that I will have no doubt I will ever see a finest place and that is why it is so difficult for me to leave because I know I am saying goodbye to a treasure. This place and the society have adopted me so well from the day I landed. This society has loved me so much.”
The IPS officer explained the connection she felt with the state: “This place is so different from the system that I come from but I feel a sense of familiarity and that is why I feel I have a connection with Nagaland which goes very far back and who knows maybe I was from here and this connection will never go. I have lots of plans and I plan to be deeply connected with Nagaland.”
The police officer explained that she wants her children to know from where their mother began her career and know about this beautiful place and its wonderful society. She said to remain in touch and will keep coming even as she hopes to see the society progress in life.
Shukla has learned Naga history and society, recording her experiences in Nagaland which she hopes to publish soon. Some of her writings have been published in the Indian Express.
The IPS officer asserted that one of the things that she was hoping to do was to partner with the UP govt. to take up a role as an officer, in addition to her other responsibilities, for Naga students studying in North India.
“Naga students, wherever they are in UP or anywhere in North India, can find it easy to reach out to me. I am going to start a platform for this where they will be able to reach out to me for any help and I can be a quick responder for all the North Indian states. If you come to Delhi region for your children’s education or medical treatment or any work related always remember that you have a sister in me and a home. Even if you want a place to stay my door is always open for you. You will continue to be my family no matter how long it is,” she assured.
Further, Shukla acknowledged that women in the police department have to always work extra hard. This is not just in India but in other countries too, she remarked.
“We find it difficult to accept a women leader especially in uniform because police dept. for women is stereotyped and the force finds it difficult to accept women police. But thanks to Nagaland for you did not make me feel that way even for a day. From the first moment you accepted my authority and I am grateful and thankful,” she said.
Another matter that Shukla said was that Nagaland police lacks confidence. ‘As an objective officer you are one of the finest police forces because you have sensitivity and manners. Maybe it is an influence of the religion, education and exposure to English. You are so much dignified and respectful; you behave and conduct yourself with dignity that makes you one of the finest police forces in the country. So you must believe in yourself and keep an open mind,’ she said.
Shukla urged the police force to embrace technology and its changes as Nagaland cannot afford to lag. ‘The faster you embrace it with willingness to learn you will be able to keep up with the change and that will let you grow to be the finest police in the country.’
Shukla urged upon the society to stay away from substance abuse, which is a big problem in Nagaland. ‘Don’t become slaves to substance abuse which was the biggest problem in Nagaland Police and the society,’ she pointed out.
The outgoing SP said that along with the memories she was taking with her the small detail things—even her first letter pad, and a copy with names of her colleagues—so she can cherish them when she is old.
Shukla requested the community keep in touch with her and update her on their family or children’s progress which she said will make her happy. She sought forgiveness if she had hurt anyone as she thanked Phek for welcoming her and giving her a home.