The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : We need a day off to keep ourselves fresh, say policemen

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 16, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

We need a day off to keep ourselves fresh, say policemen

Staff Reporter

Because of shortage in the staff, they are working for long hours without any break

MIND POWER: A police constable walking on fire in Bangalore on Sunday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE: What do stressed-out policemen in the city need to keep them fresh? A day off from crime and traffic management. But, considering the strength of the staff, they cannot afford such a luxury and they continue to work under physical and mental pressure.

This was what most policemen expressed at a workshop on channelising their energy for better work performance. About 30 policemen from the city's East Division took part in the one-day "Ignite the ultimate power within — transformation guarantee"' workshop conducted by Mohammed Ali Athar.

In a much-delayed start, Mr. Athar began by stating that the policemen should avoid coffee and cigarettes, which will help them in conserving energy.

He asked the policemen to follow good eating habits, use relaxation techniques, do physical exercises, and have a good sleep, which will help them to relieve of their work-related stress. But these suggestions did not got well with the policemen.

One policeman said: "You ask us to close our eyes and have a sensory sleep. If we do this during our duty, we will be caught unaware by mediapersons.... disciplinary action can be taken against us."

Another policeman said their nature of work prevents them taking food in time and also have a good sleep. Policemen expressed that because of shortage in the staff, they are working for long hours without any break.

In the workshop that lasted nearly four hours, Mr. Athar taught policemen about various techniques of training the mind. This included making policemen to walk on fire.

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