Bribes do not interest her; neither does the abuse of herposition. PSI Achala Gawas, the lady from Verem, certainly likes the road lesstravelled.
After completing her SSC, Achala’s family enrolled her for BEd to continue the family profession of teaching. A young Achala, who was moreinterested in sports, quit the course within 15 days. Achala says, “My motherwas very upset with my decision and she didn’t know what I wanted to do inlife. The headmaster of my school showed faith in me and suggested I join thepolice force.”After joining as a Police Constable in 1977, Achala went on tobecome the Head Constable before joining the traffic cell as Police SubInspector 18 months ago.
Talking about college students who drive she says “Most ofthese kids, drive without a driving licence and the adrenaline of rash ridingoften proves fatal.” When caught, Achala detains their vehicles and asks themto call their parents with the idea of making the parents aware of theincident. She adds, “Most of these kids are capable of paying the fine but Ifeel it is my responsibility to take that extra effort.”
Animish Desai from Dhavali recalls his encounter withAchala, “On my way to Margao, I forgot to wear a helmet as I was in a hurry.After being stopped, I was witness to a challenging incident that PSI Gawasfaced with sheer calmness. Another driver who was stopped for rash driving wasarguing with her and trying his best to put political pressure on her to berelieved of the charges. Eventually, he gave up to PSI Gawas’ firm stand andpaid the fine.”
According to Achala, being a traffic cop is not one of theworld’s best jobs. She has to face numerous people on a daily basis, at times,law breakers in the form of relatives or neighbours of politicians and otherinfluential personalities. She adds, “We have to face abuses and threats toface dire consequences. On this, I calmly tell them it’s a part of my duty andthey can either pay the fine or face the court hearing. They try their best topressurise me but it is a challenge to not be intimidated by such attempts. Idon’t take these things personally because I know I’m doing the right thing. Atthe most, I’ll be transferred to some other place but I won’t have the guilt.”
For a country in the grip of allegations of corruption bythe ruling class, the Achala Gawas of this world remind us that there are stillthe odd individuals in the system who works with a sense of responsibility andpurpose.
