Cops do not present a pleasant picture, thanks to the films and popular media. But the cops from SR Nagar police station have taken it upon themselves to reverse that image. Already, the Telangana police have taken up the initiative to make cops people-oriented and likable, just like any other profession. They are also just a call away these days. So, this particular story comes as a pleasant surprise.

SR Nagar police station cops have adopted Hyderabad’s biggest slum Dasaram Basthi. Usually, the basti is busy and noisy with lots of activity. However, these days, the basti becomes ‘silent’ when the ‘class is in session.’ The staffers at the police station have taken it upon themselves to teach the students at night.

The idea was the brainchild of Inspector K Saidulu, and the initiative was started a week ago when he visited the area for an anti-drug awareness campaign. Since its inception, i.e., within 30 days, the strength of the class has grown to 70.

For the children, this initiative is God-sent. One student says she likes night school as she can get her doubts cleared. She also likes studying with friends. Also, the problem of poor illumination in the huts and trying to study on her own are solved by this drive. Another student is happy that he can concentrate fully as his family members watch TV during his study time.

Meanwhile, Inspector Saidulu says it would be nice if some donors came forward to donate for a permanent space for the children. He shares that the space they are now using was once the adda of boozers who would get into petty quarrels and disturb the peace of their families and other residents. Also, permanent space will not disrupt the initiative during monsoons and the winter season.

Sector sub-inspector P Pradeep, along with the Blue Colts of SR Nagar, has been deployed at the night school to guide and monitor the children. Three persons have been roped in, including two girls, to assist them.

Incidentally, Saidulu wanted to become a teacher and even studied for the same. But destiny had other plans for him, and he became a cop. After becoming the Inspector at SR Nagar station, he also grew veggies and flowers on the premises. As most people from Dasaram Basthi eked a livelihood by collecting garbage, they were addicted to alcohol. When he saw the situation, Saidulu decided to help their children by coming up with a night school idea.