Cop is like a messiah for elderly people in need

Ludhiana: At a time when it is rare to hear about cops with softer side, there are cops in Ludhiana who have a golden heart and passion to help others in need.
Ludhiana-based constable Ajaib Singh (27), posted at Koom Kalan police station, has won hearts by helping elderly people in need. His videos on the noble cause have gone viral on the social media, prompting people not only from Punjab, but also from abroad to approach him to join hands for the cause.

Initially Ajaib Singh, who had a special connection with elderly people since his childhood, took help of his friends to help the needy. But over the past five months, more than 250 cops — from the rank of constable to assistant sub-inspector — have joined him for the cause.

Every month, these cops contribute a part of their salaries and provide ration, medicine and basic commodities to more than 30 elderly people in different villages of Ludhiana.

Ajaib Singh, who belongs to Kalewal village, had joined Punjab Police in 2012.

Talking to TOI, Ajaib said, “Since childhood I have been a person who is very connected to elderly people. For the past several years, I have been distributing sweets to elderly people.”

“On Diwali In November, I went to a nearby village Haidra Nagar where I met one woman in her mid-70s. As I gave her a box of sweets, she asked me to visit her house. When I went to her house, I saw that her accommodation was in a depilated condition. She shared that her roof leaks during rains. I felt bad and decided to help her. I discussed it with some of the friends and we raised funds and repaired her house,” he said.

“We also organised ‘Path’ at her house. The elderly woman was so happy that she held my hands and asked ‘Are you God or an angel of God?’ Her words brought tears into my eyes. That was the time when I decided to continue this mission,” he added.

Thereafter some cops from Koom Kalan police station joined him and gradually the strength increased.

Ajaib said besides helping elderly people, they also provided uniforms and shoes to government schools students in and outside Ludhiana.

He said, “We have helped elderly people, mostly women, who live alone or have been abandoned by their children. Seeing smile on their face is the best thing in the world.”

Asked about why he makes videos of people they help, the constable said, “I have been asked this question several times. I make a video and upload it on social media with a motive that more people would see it and join the cause. It takes only Rs 1,500 to provide ration to one person for a month, which is not a big amount. We cannot reach everywhere, but I want youngsters to join who can contribute and give ration to families.”

Talking about his future plans, constable Ajaib Singh said though he wants to run an NGO, he might not get permission for the same as he is a public servant. He said he is looking for a person who can run the NGO and the group of cops can support it.

Diaspora comes for help

Watching Ajaib’s videos on his Facebook page, Indians living abroad have also approached him and expressed interest in joining the cause. Ajaib said he is getting regular queries from abroad on how they can contribute for the cause.

Official duty with social duty

Ajiab Singh said he works in the night shift at Koom Kalan police station and he keeps day time for social work. He gets very less time to sleep, but is determined to continue with his work.

No names or contacts

When asked about the names or contacts of people, who they have helped, Ajaib Singh said he never asked their names. Those people are in a hand-to-mouth situation and do not even have mobile phones.

Public dials control room to help Ajaib Singh

Ajaib Singh said several people have contacted him by first calling on police control room number. He said officials of control room said on days, there are more queries about him than for lodging complaints.

‘Elders Connect’ drive

In January, the Ludhiana police had launched ‘Elders Connect’ programme as a goodwill gesture under which every cop would visit elderly people under their jurisdiction to know of their problems and to resolve them. These problems may not relate to the police department. However, the programme had lost importance over time, but Ajaib Singh is executing it in a true sense. Deputy commissioner of police Ashwani Kapur said, “Constable Ajaib Singh and all other cops who have joined him are doing a great job. The department supports them and appreciate their efforts.”