Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir range Sujit Kumar on Monday urged students to remain strong in the face of temptations and avoid shortcuts and easy pleasures, saying such choices could lead them towards destructive paths.
Addressing the students and parents during a collaborative cultural evening titled “KAASHHIM” – a journey from Valley to Himalaya at Tyndale Biscoe and Mallinson School here, the Kashmir Police chief said students possessed the capability, imagination and strength to shape a better future, but needed to channel their energies in the right direction.
“As a police officer, my message to you all is never, never say never again. You have all the capabilities, imagination and strength,” he said.
He urged the students to confront their desires and resist the “illegitimate wishes.”
“You should always remain firm and disciplined. Fight with your desires, fight with your illegitimate wishes and be hard, be strong,” he said.
IGP Sujit Kumar advised the students to follow the guidance of their teachers and have faith in their parents and cautioned them against pleasures that come too easily.
“Anything that comes very easily, say no to them. Any pleasure that is very, very easy to achieve, it will take you to the doors of hell,” he added.
The IGP Kashmir said proper guidance from teachers and coaches could help students prepare themselves for a successful future.
He also praised the cultural performances presented by students, describing the evening as a celebration of the “fragrance” of culture and talent.
Referring to the distinction between civilisation and culture, he said civilisation was like a rose while culture was its fragrance, which could not be separated from it.
He said the programmes represented a fusion of the cultures of two Himalayan valleys Shimla and Kashmir, describing the performances as a reflection of the talent and cultural richness of the region.
The IGP Kashmir said cultural and educational institutions had an important role in keeping young people away from drugs and emerging online addictions, including betting and excessive involvement in social media.
“I hope that the continious promotion of culture and talent would help children stay away from such harmful influences and move in a strong direction,” he added.
He also praised the Tyndale Biscoe and Mallinson School for its contribution saying it was “a pioneering institution in bringing culture, talent and parents together on one platform.”
Speaking about the journey of the school he said it was started by its first principal with only five students in 1890, while C.S. Tyndale Biscoe later joined the institution and contributed to its growth.
“I am a proud parent of three children associated with the school,” he said.
He further urged the students from Kashmir to carry the region’s cultural values wherever they go.
“I would like the children of Kashmir to go to different corners of the country and tell them what soil they have come from and what is the strength of Kashmir,” he added.
During his address, he also invoked the imagery of the sea and storm, urging students to be prepared to face challenges rather than shying away from them.
He also assured the school community that the J&K Police would remain available whenever required.
