Delhi Police has entered the world of digital media and story-telling through their one-of-a-kind podcast series – Kissa Khaki Ka. The podcast revolves around unheard stories of crimes, investigations, as well as anecdotes of heart and humanity by Delhi Police officials. This is the first podcast initiative broadcast by a police department in India.
The objective of ‘Kissa Khaki Ka’ is to educate the masses about the work done by Delhi Police and establish a connection with the listeners through a new-age medium of digital audio storytelling. It is an attempt to celebrate the social and humanitarian services rendered by Delhi Police personnel to safeguard and transform the city.
The podcast is narrated by a prominent media educator and prison reformer widely known for her jail radio initiatives – Dr. Vartika Nanda. The episodes are aired once a week on the official handles of Delhi Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The fascinating aspect of these episodes is their duration. Despite having a short time span of two to three minutes each, the podcast is effective in having a memorable and visual impact on the listener.
The first episode featured the story of police constable Than Singh, delving into the commendable efforts made by him to run his own school for slum children near Lal Quila.
https://twitter.com/DelhiPolice/status/1482631762262261760
https://www.facebook.com/DelhiPoliceOfficial/videos/947284485897238/
The second podcast vividly encapsulated the preparations made by the entire police unit for Republic Day festivities. It also emphasized the undampened spirit of bravery and resilience showcased by the Delhi Police during the pandemic, despite 17,000 officers contracting COVID-19 over the course of two years and the unfortunate demise of 79 officers in the unit.
https://twitter.com/DelhiPolice/status/1485168380563050496
https://www.facebook.com/DelhiPoliceOfficial/videos/730888817880409
According to Shri Rakesh Asthana, Police Commissioner, Delhi, “The relationship between Police and Citizens is one of constant engagement. When in need, people look up to us for support, help, lending our ears to their problems, stories. Likewise, we also look up to them for suggestions and guidance. Our podcast ‘Kissa Khaki Ka’ takes our relationship to the next level where we share our stories with people with an open heart. It helps grow more mutual trust and bonding, thereby, enabling better policing. The Capital’s police are new-media savvy even as we are available through traditional communications channels. We are ever ready to rise to the new-age communication needs.”
In addition, according to Vartika Nanda, “There are certain cases that have an excellent story-telling element in them, which can be translated into a podcast. The challenge is to think from both a cop’s as well as an audience member’s perspective.”
These stories have dynamically engaged the people of Delhi and nurtured a sense of understanding, respect, and empathy for police officials across all ranks.
By: Anushree Mukherjee
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