Ramesh K: 36 Years With CRPF, But A Teetotaller

Bengaluru: Ramesh K, a former Second-in-Command of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), now settled in Hubballi after a 36-year stint across the country, had several adventures and life-threatening challenges along the way. However, he has successfully braved them in a befitting manner, true to the spirit of a CRPF personnel, and has emerged victorious in a mind-boggling career. Second in Command in the CRPF is equivalent to Superintendent of Police(SP) in the civil police, and that of a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army.

Retired twice! It may sound strange, but the startling revelation that he happened to retire twice is no exaggeration but a hardcore fact. The first time he retired was when he turned 57, when the retirement age was 57 years. But, before he could settle down to lead a retired life, saying adieu to the Khaki uniform, he was recalled to join the services. The reason given was the directions of the New Delhi High Court, which had heard several petitions on behalf of the aggrieved CRPF staff. The retirement age was subsequently enhanced to 60 years, on par with the other Central Government Forces.

A legacy of three generations: In the whole of North Karnataka, there has been a practice of several youths opting for the Defence services in several districts. By and large, most of them used to prefer joining the Indian Army, while those choosing the Air Force and the Navy would be significantly fewer compared to the Indian Army recruits. Interestingly, Ramesh K belongs to the third generation in the family to boast of a Khaki attire after his grandfather and father. His father, Gurunath N K, was with the Armed Police of the Maharashtra Government and became part of the CRPF as his battalion was merged with the former. He also retired as a Deputy Commandant of the CRPF. Ramesh K's grandfather, Nagendrasa D K, was a Police sub-inspector during the British regime.

The largest armed force in the Country: Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF), happens to be one of the largest central armed police forces of the country. Initially, it was established on 27 July 1939 as the Crown Representative Police. Soon after independence of the country there was a move to disband the same on questions raised about its utility. It goes to the credit of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, who vehemently bulldozed the very thought and prevailed upon in continuation of the same. Following this paved the way for the enactment of the Central Reserve Police Force Act, and thus CRPF came into being on 28 December 1949. Today, according to available information, the CRPF has a combined strength of 3,01,376 personnel with 247 battalions.

A native of Gadag: Ramesh K was born on 13 April 1962 in Gadag and had his formal education there. He completed his Commerce degree from the Adarsh Shikshana Samiti College of Commerce. Ramesh K studied, practised and earned the NCC C certificate. Prof PR Adavi honoured him with the same. This certificate helped Ramesh K gain more marks at the time of selection and interview for the CRPF.

Two brothers and a sister: Ramesh K is the eldest one in the family, with his sister next to him, married and settled in Gadag. So is Satish, another brother, doing a job in Gadag. Only Nagesh, who is the Zonal Manager at Hyundai, has settled down in Bengaluru. Ramesh K is married to Mrs Nirmala R K. His Son Rahul RK and daughter Anjali RK are working in New Delhi

A vegetarian and teetotaller: Ramesh K belongs to the Kshatriya warrior community, well known for being non-vegetarians. It is not so in his case, as he is a vegetarian and doesn't consume alcohol despite being part of the coveted force for 36 years. He is not puzzled or perturbed about the phenomenon of not touching the intoxicating drink despite being in the unfriendly terrains and chilly weather conditions.

Left non-vegetarian foodstuffs after joining the CRPF: Ramesh K doesn't make any fuss, nor is he jubilant about being a vegetarian, even having spent nearly four decades in the company of most of them, consuming meat and being high on the spirits. He very unassumingly informs-"For being non-vegetarians, we used to have it at home. As per my father's advice, I left taking non-vegetarian food stuffs soon after joining the CRPF. Not just that, my father advised me to stay away from the three Ws: Wine, Wealth and Women. I adhered to his advice without reasoning or questioning over the same".

40 per cent of them don't drink: Not drinking in the CRPF is also not a matter of big surprise to Ramesh K. He also asserted, "If people born and brought up in Jammu and Kashmir can survive without touching liquor for a lifetime amidst extreme climate conditions, what is so special about some of us not drinking the same. Prohibition was also in force in J & K when we were on duty there. On the other hand, about 40 per cent of them in the CRPF do not have such a habit, although everyone is entitled to have the same. It is just a mindset that keeps haunting some people, craving for it".

Officers can purchase and consume at home: "While in the battalions, there are specific days when liquor will be issued on payment only during dinner time for constables and head constables. But, there are no such rules and regulations for the officers, and they are at liberty to buy at will and likewise have it at home. There was one junior officer in the rank of Deputy Commandant while I was posted in New Delhi. Sadly, he couldn't get medical clearance due to excessive consumption of alcohol", laments Ramesh K.

-Manohar Yadavatti