more-in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stressed the role of Student Police Cadets (SPC) in fighting anti-social elements and divisive forces in society. He was addressing senior cadets representing 492 schools in the State after taking salute at their ceremonial parade, organised as part of the valedictory of the SPC Change Leaders’ Meet-2018, a State-level residential summer camp that came to a close at the Mar Ivanios College grounds on Tuesday. Mr. Vijayan said educational institutions, particularly schools, were being targeted by anti-social elements, including the drug lobby. “Constant efforts were being made to lure children to anti-social practices. Your actions will decide your future. It is important that the younger generation imbibe the ideal values and practices. Student Police Cadets have the responsibility to ensure constant vigil in their schools and prevent friends from falling into wayward ways,” he said. He said several principles of the State, including secularism, had come under the threat of divisive forces. Mr. Vijayan called for combined efforts to defeat the forces that aimed at disrupting the secular fabric of Kerala by sowing the seeds of communalism. He said there were over 50,000 SPCs in 574 schools across the State. The government would extend the SPC project to another 100 government schools. SPC units will be set up in 71 schools in the first phase of the endeavour. He said the Centre was preparing to replicate the model project across the country. Charchika Renganathan of St. Teresa’s Girls High School, Nedumkunnam, Kottayam, who was adjudged the best cadet during the camp, led the ceremonial parade. P.K. Muhammed Shamil of VMCG Higher Secondary School, Wandoor, Malappuram, was the second-in-command. Elna Thomas of St. Joseph’s HSS, Vayattuparamba, Kannur, and M. Atul Krishna of MSP EM High School, Malappuram, were selected best platoon commanders among girls and boys respectively. The platoons that were led by Christin Tom Saji of KRPM HSS, Seethathodu, Pathanamathitta; and N.S. Jeenu Fathima of GV HSS, Kadakkal, Kollam; were adjudged the best boys’ and girls’ platoons respectively at the parade. State Police Chief Loknath Behera; General Education secretary A. Shajahan; senior police officers of the Kerala Police and from other States were also present on the occasion.

Stay updated with all the Latest Thiruvananthapuram headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.