THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, August 3: In the Palamu police range, a senior officer is quietly leading a movement — not from behind a podium, but through direct, daily engagement with communities. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Naushad Alam, is taking active steps to foster mutual respect and understanding between Hindus and Muslims, earning appreciation from both sides.
Promoting Social Cohesion through Practice, Not Preaching
Rather than acting as a preacher, DIG Alam is a practitioner of what he refers to as “social chemistry” — the idea of building bridges between communities through shared values and genuine engagement. His efforts come at a particularly significant time, as the Hindu holy month of Sawan coincides with the return of Muslim pilgrims from Umrah in Mecca and Medina, creating a unique atmosphere of religious fervour across the region.
DIG Alam has been seen across the police range — which spans the diverse districts of Palamu, Garhwa and Latehar — actively participating in both Hindu and Muslim religious events. His presence has become a symbol of peace, unity, and inclusiveness.
Prayers, Bhajans, and the Spirit of Shared Faith
On Friday, DIG Alam offered Maghrib (evening) prayers at a local mosque in Bansidhar Nagar (formerly Nagar Untari) in Garhwa district. Soon after completing his prayers, he visited the renowned Bansidhar Nagar Mandir, where evening bhajans were underway.
The temple, dedicated to deities Radha and Krishna, is noted for its idols believed to be adorned with 32 maunds of gold. Alam stood respectfully in attendance and later distributed prasaad among devotees and children — a gesture warmly received by the local community.
A Vision for Regional Development Through Unity
Speaking to The Jharkhand Story Network, DIG Alam said,
“The time has come for people of all faiths and beliefs to join hands for the development of the Palamu region, instead of wasting time and energy on trivial and divisive issues.”
Palamu has witnessed officers contributing to education in the past, but Alam is taking a step further by advocating for interfaith understanding at the grassroots level. His balanced approach includes acknowledging and celebrating both Sawan and Umrah, reflecting his commitment to inclusivity.
Poetry, Philosophy, and Public Service
DIG Alam also believes in the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideals.
“Where words fail, a couplet succeeds. It captures both sentiment and sensibility,” he shared, adding that “a rhymed couplet is worth more than a paragraph of mundane prose.”
Some long-time observers draw comparisons between Alam and former R&AW officer and poet Keki N. Daruwalla, while others recall the legacy of former SP Kishore Kunal, known for blending Vedic philosophy with law enforcement.
DIG Alam, too, draws from multiple traditions — explaining the concepts of Shesh Naag and Aasa, and encouraging people of both communities to engage with their sacred texts with heartfelt sincerity, not mere recitation.
