CHANDIGARH: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Khanna district police in Punjab have installed speakers outside all police lock-ups under the initiative ‘Sound of Hope’, through which 'secular' bhajans, shabads and hymns are played to bring a sense of calm to detainees.
The initiative lays emphasis on humane policing, introspection and reformation.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Khanna, Darpan Ahluwalia, who conceived the initiative, told this newspaper that the idea came to her during a visit to the Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, where she experienced how the sound of hymns playing in the lifts could instantly bring a sense of calm.
“This thought prompted her to consider whether a similar approach could help those in police custody. Custody may restrict a person’s freedom, but it need not take away their hope and a chance at reformation,” she said.
“The speakers have been installed near nine lock-ups across these eight police stations and the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) unit, where those accused of serious offences are often lodged for interrogation. The hymns will be played for three hours in the morning and for the same duration in the evening every day,” she said.
Ahluwalia said the idea behind the initiative is that detention may restrict a person’s freedom, but it need not take away their hope and a chance at reformation.
“The initiative seeks to encourage self-introspection, remorse and the possibility of turning over a new leaf, while also providing a soothing environment for those experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.”
“It reflects a larger philosophy of policing, in particular, and Punjab, in general, that justice is not only about punishment; it is also about reformation. Just as there are gurdwaras and temples in jails, those in police custody, irrespective of the allegations against them, should be treated with dignity. Efforts need to be made to mould their minds and bring them back into the mainstream,” she said.
The playlist has been deliberately kept soft, spiritual and inclusive. The police station heads have been directed to play devotional and introspective music in Hindi and Punjabi, drawn from different religious traditions, said Ahluwalia. She added that the music is deliberately secular and inclusive, drawing from different spiritual traditions to convey one universal message: to pause, reflect and choose a better path.
