COPS AND COMPANY WALK THE DOCK
NGO organises heritage tour for policemen and their families
DNA Mumbai, 13 February 2006
Policemen from Sahar police station went on an exploratory train on Sunday morning and for once, it wasn't a twisted criminal case they were trying to crack.
About 25 cops, accompanied by their spouses and children, spent Sunday walking through the Naval Dockyard at Lion's Gate. The heritage walk was organised by the Andheri chapter of NGO Action for Good Governance and Networking in India (AGNI), on the concluding day of the Kala Ghoda festival.
Navy officers showed the group around the Dockyard area, talking about the legends associated with various spots and the Naval hardware, some more than 200 years old. The decommissioned 'INS Vikrant' was an instant hit with the children, who bombarded Navy guide Captain Rajeev Bansal with questions about various missiles and warplanes displayed atop the massive aircraft carrier.
"My eight-year-old was thrilled. He told me he'd rather see me operate a torpedo than a revolver," said Anil Chipkar, a constable at Sahar police station. While the children were amazed to see war equipment up close, elders brushed off their knowledge of historical trivia. The Dockyard has the oldest existing structures in the city - the Bombay Castle - and a toilet that has been given heritage status.
"I had only heard abot the Bombay Castle and seen submarines in movies. I never found time to explore this part of the city and find out more about things we protect," said constable BB Jagtap.
Ravi Nair and Ashok Pai, AGNI representatives from the K-east ward who organised the programme, were happy with the Navy's co-operation.
"It's been very enjoyable. The Captains who guided us through the trail did an excellent job. This is our way of giving something back to the police, who are responsible for our safety," they said.
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