Ignore critics, continue good job, DGP tells Varadhar venue cops

Even as the flutter within the rank and file over the Kancheepuram Collector’s outburst against a police inspector is yet to die down, State police chief DGP JK Tripathy has written a letter to lift the morale of the force, advising them to ignore the critics and continue the hard work and sustain the motivation till the end of Athi Varadhar fest that is going on at Sri Devarajaswami temple in Kancheepuram.

In a letter addressed to all personnel on bundobust duty at the temple where lakhs have come to worship Lord Athi Varadhar since July 1, Tripathy noted that this once-in-forty-year spectacle has metamorphosed into a truly successful event only because of their indefatigable efforts, braving tough weather and minimal personal comforts.

Quoting Theodore Roosevelt, the former president of the United States of America who led the country during the Second World War, Tripathy noted: “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doers of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, and who strives valiantly.”

After the Collector berated the inspector for allegedly letting in people without passes through the VIP gate, the police personnel, including retired officials, had begun expressing their strong displeasure. The IPS Officers Association, too, came out in support of the inspector, issuing a statement that all sections of society should respect policemen.

In his letter, Tripathy noted that “this great force” was out there to provide the best possible services to the visitors. Every policeman/policewoman in the arena has made tryst with history in this moment of glory. The media and social media bear ample witness to the assertion as is the prevalent public opinion, he said, pointing out that it was now important sustain this hard work till the completion of the event, for, even a minor lapse would taint all the hard-earned glory.

All the officers on bundobust duty for Athi Varadhar fest were requested to bring out the best in their leadership skills and help channelise all the energy of the police personnel towards ensuring the best public service delivery. In his letter, Tripathy reminded them that officers’ comfort and safety comes last after that of the country and the men they command.