Old age is said to be the second childhood of a person. The similarity between a child and an elderly person lies in their minds. As people grow old they tend to be more childlike. They yearn for very little with a wish to pass the remaining days with peace. In today’s world, life is busy, especially in cities. In search of better employment opportunities, people leave their native place, and work far away from their families. In Kolkata, this is a common scenario. Sons and daughters of many families have to leave their parents alone seeking for better opportunities in life. Accordingly many such elderly citizens’ stay alone at their homes with no one even talks to. This leads to security concerns as miscreants take advantage of their lack of physical abilities. Some have to take refuge to an old age home. This is evident with the increase in number of old age homes in various parts of the city.
Kolkata Police in association with an NGO, The Bengal, launched an initiative in 2009 for the senior citizens of Kolkata. It was aptly named ‘Pronam’, which is one of the most talked about community policing initiatives among the people. The response has been so huge that more than 13,000 senior citizens have registered as members. This initiative is mainly for those senior citizens, who are living alone with no one to attend in emergencies. An elderly citizen can enroll himself or herself with this initiative by 
submitting duly lled up form to the concerned ofcer at local police station. The enrolment form for Pronam is available at local police station or can be downloaded from the website of Kolkata Police. Pronam has a centralized ofce at Ballygunge which manages all aspects in association with Liaison ofcers of Kolkata Police from the Community Policing Wing. Each of the 69 police stations has a team of four cops headed by a Sub-Inspector or an Assistant Sub-Inspector for the job.
The annual programme for Pronam of the Eastern Suburban Division was held at Phani Bhushan Vidya Binode Yatra Mancha on 28th March, this year. More than 250 members were entertained through a cultural programme which included classical songs, dances and other performances. Eminent singer Nachiketa Chakraborty was the Chief Guest in the event. The dais were shared by Sadhan Pandey, Minister for Consumer Affairs & Self Help Group & Self-Employment, Agnimitra Paul Fashion Designer and also Jt. Convener of Pronam, Additional Commissioner of Police (IV) H K Kusumakar, Sujay Kr. Chanda, Jt. Commissioner of Police (Establishment) and Debasmita Das, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Eastern Suburban Division).
Anita Mukherjee, a Pronam member since 2011 said, “Two ofcers from Beliaghata Police Station often visit me to enquire about my well being. I also receive a birthday card every year.” Helping members in distress It is the priority of a delegated ofcer for Pronam in every police station to help members in distress. The ofcer extends all possible help to the 
respective member. Every member receives a routine call once a fortnight. Kolkata Police takes its Pronam members to visit idols during Durga Puja and arranges picnic every year. Pronam members also participate in a specialized event during annual sports meet of Kolkata Police. Such activities and participation help in minimizing their loneliness. Another member Ajit Kr. Biswas said “I came to know about PRONAM in 2011 when I visited the Entally Police Station with some work. My wife and I enrolled ourselves within a few days and we are glad that the cops are taking care of us.” The members affectionately call liaison ofcers ‘Pronam Babu‘. Seven personnel of the PRONAM team were awarded for their services towards helping the senior citizens.
DC ESD Debasmita Das said “There has been a major increase in number of Pronam members within a span of few years. This overwhelming response has led us to take more efforts for the care and assistance of senior citizens. This annual cultural programme is one of many such events which entertain them and help in creating a sense of togetherness.”
Jt. CP (E) Sujay Kr. Chanda received a round of applause after he entertained every one with two back to back songs. Apart from him, Sishpriya and Aritra sang a few numbers as well. A dance group gracefully performed to several Bengali tunes which mesmerized the audience.
Anirban Saha
