MUMBAI: Errant drivers, exhausting heat and interminable traffic snarls are just a part and parcel of the average policeman's day. They were in for a change in routine, however, when a range of citizens from politicians to higher police officials to students out of their summer coaching camps started stopping by to give them a heartfelt salute. Radio Mango's latest venture, “Policenoru Salute” (A Salute to the Police) in association with a police themed movie, Mumbai Police, exhorted listeners to take a minute out of their busy schedules to appreciate the efforts of the police force by giving them a salute.
The activity that kick started on 29 April was executed through a range of on-air and on-ground activities. The objective of the activity was to bring about a change in public attitude towards the police and thank them for their invaluable service to society. On-air, listeners took turns to share stories of warmth and compassion they had experienced in encounters with the police while on-ground people started stopping their vehicles to give a salute to the traffic police and often offering them a cold drink or an umbrella to withstand the harsh temperatures.
Listeners who uploaded their pictures clicked along with the police officials won tickets to watch the movie ‘Mumbai Police’. The Radio Mango team also had the privilege of accompanying various dignitaries, residents associations and others who evinced an interest in saluting the police.
The activity wound to an end with a grand finale at Kochi Marine Drive where a group of policemen handpicked by their higher officials were offered a grand salute by a huge gathering comprising the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prof KV Thomas, the Ernakulam Range IG, the Commissioner of Police and the District Police Chief along with the MLA, the Mayor, key actors and technicians of the movie Mumbai Police, the Radio Mango team and a large section of the public.