A cure for homesick police recruits in Madhya Pradesh: Ramcharitmanas every evening to learn from Ram’s exile
Police training is intense. For many young recruits in Madhya Pradesh, it’s also the first time they’ve lived away from their families. As a result, homesickness has become a frequent issue at the academy. Cadets often report missing their families, especially in the early weeks of training.
A Spiritual Solution: Ramcharitmanas Every Evening
To tackle this emotional struggle, academy officials turned to ancient wisdom. They introduced daily Ramcharitmanas recitation sessions in the evening. The epic, written by Tulsidas, narrates the life of Lord Ram and is rich in moral and emotional lessons.
Recruits gather at dusk, listen to a verse or two, and engage in short discussions afterward. Officials say the initiative isn’t religious in nature, but spiritual and moral. Participation is optional but encouraged.
Lessons from Lord Ram’s Exile
Recruits are relating their own struggles to Lord Ram’s journey. The idea is simple: if Ram could give up his kingdom and live in exile for 14 years, surely they can endure a few months of tough training.
An instructor explained, “We tell them that their time here, away from home, is also a kind of training in duty and discipline. Just like Ram, they are preparing for a higher purpose.”
These sessions not only comfort recruits but also instill valuable life lessons. The tales of sacrifice, patience, and strength offer emotional support during stressful days.
Character Building Through Culture
The academy’s leadership believes in holistic development. Physical training is only one part of becoming a police officer. Emotional strength and ethical conduct are just as important.
The Ramcharitmanas teaches values like loyalty, bravery, humility, and justice. Officials say these are the same qualities needed in the police force.
“Our goal is not only to build fit bodies but also strong minds and clean hearts,” said the principal of the academy. “These stories guide recruits toward becoming responsible citizens and disciplined officers.”
Recruits Share Positive Experiences
Many cadets say the daily readings have improved their mental well-being. Some report feeling calmer and more focused. Others say they sleep better and feel less lonely.
A 21-year-old recruit from Chhindwara said, “I missed my family a lot in the beginning. But now, listening to Ram’s story gives me strength. If he could handle his challenges, I can handle mine too.”
Another trainee added, “This isn’t something I expected from police training. But these sessions help me understand life better. They give me peace.”
Addressing Concerns About Inclusivity
The move has drawn some criticism from groups who feel a public institution should stay secular. But the academy clarified that the program is voluntary. No one is forced to attend.
“We are not promoting any religion,” an official said. “The Ramcharitmanas is a cultural treasure. We use it to teach universal values like duty, courage, and compassion.”
Officials also said they are open to adding similar content from other cultural traditions if recruits request it.
A Model for Others?
The success of the program has sparked interest from other institutions. Colleges, training centers, and even some corporate HR teams have reached out to the academy. They want to know if similar initiatives could work for them.
Mental health professionals are also observing the results. A psychologist from Indore noted, “Cultural storytelling can be a powerful tool. When people hear stories they know and trust, they find comfort and strength.”
Tradition Meets Training
This initiative marks a rare but thoughtful combination of tradition and modern training. In an age where emotional health is often overlooked, the academy is offering a culturally familiar solution.
Instead of costly therapy or medication, the recruits are healing through words that have guided generations. In doing so, they are not only preparing to serve the public — they are also learning how to serve themselves.
Conclusion: Stronger Officers, Wiser Humans
The daily Ramcharitmanas readings at this Madhya Pradesh police academy are more than just spiritual sessions. They are emotional lifelines for homesick recruits. They are also moral compasses for future officers.
As these young cadets absorb lessons of sacrifice, discipline, and resilience, they grow not just in strength, but in character. In their path to becoming police officers, they are first learning to become grounded, thoughtful human beings.
