Showing the way: Baba Ramdev

Patna, May 27: Cops with huge tummies could be a big turn off, but a good frame of mind is often more important. And to help the cops become mentally stronger, who could be better than the yoga guru, Baba Ramdev?

The city police are contemplating to hold yoga sessions for its men to keep them away from all forms of mental stress and get them in a good physical shape as well. Plans are in place to give them some important tips on good eating habits as well.

Patna City superintendent of police (SP) Shivdeep Lande told The Telegraph the aim of the programme is mainly to boost up the morale of the men, who mostly are under tremendous mental stress, because of unplanned duty hours.

The plan is in the pipeline, even though the details are yet to be chalked out.

“It is known that the police work under a lot of stress. The duty hours are odd, which add to the pressure and the personnel become irritated very easily. Even their personal life suffers because of this. The policemen need to be both physically and mentally fit. The mental fitness is more important,” the city SP said.

According to the plan, a routine will be drawn in which the cops would have to go through some yoga sessions weekly or monthly. Apart from this, they will be given a diet chart and some dos and don’ts, following which they can be fit at all times.

“It is a fact that yoga, apart from helping people in staying physically fit, has a huge impact on one’s mental strength, which is often more important for the police,” the officer added.

Some of the dos and don’ts for the men in uniform are staying away from liquor and avoiding oily food.

“The cops have a busy schedule all the time and the work is very strenuous. Hence, they are always advised to stay away from liquor. In order to be physically fit, the police should stay away from oily and greasy food. They can always exercise, do yoga or any other form of physical exercise like jogging,” Lande said.

The police sources said once the programme starts some professional yoga teachers will be roped in for the classes.

The cops, particularly the constables, said they get very little time to look after themselves and their families.

“It is a struggle all the time. Getting leaves are always a problem. And we never know when we are called in. It is a fact that their personal life suffers and we have constant fights and quarrels with our families. As a result, to beat the stress, we get addicted to liquor,” a constable posted at Dakbungalow Chowk said.

“We cannot say for sure right now as to whether the new initiative will help,” another constable pointed out.