Raveena praises UP govt, police for Maha Kumbh arrangements

Lucknow: Bollywood actress and Padma Shri awardee Raveena Tandon shared her experiences of visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Maha Kumbh Mela during the sixth episode of Beyond the Badge, a podcast initiated by the Uttar Pradesh Police.Launched under the direction of UP DGP Prashant Kumar, the podcast serves as an innovative platform to showcase stories and perspectives beyond policing. In the latest episode, Tandon reflected on her spiritual journey, the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh arrangements, and her admiration for the security measures in place. Tandon lauded the UP govt and police for efficiently handling the massive influx of devotees at the Maha Kumbh and Kashi Vishwanath Temple. "The way arrangements were made for crores of pilgrims, ensuring both security and emotional comfort, is commendable. I salute the Uttar Pradesh government and extend my heartfelt thanks to the police, administration, and all officials managing the event," she said. Reflecting on her Maha Kumbh experience, Tandon highlighted the emphasis on women's security, stating that families, women, and young girls—from across the country and even abroad—felt safe and respected. She praised the female police officers, who played a crucial role in ensuring a secure environment. During her visit, a New York-based friend of Tandon lost his mobile phone in the crowd, but thanks to the prompt action of women police officers, the phone was recovered within 30 minutes. Impressed by their efficiency, she referred to them as "lionesses" for their dedication and quick response. Tandon also revealed that she never planned to enter films and was initially inclined toward joining the Indian Police Service (IPS). "I was deeply inspired by Kiran Bedi, and her story had a profound impact on me," she said. Speaking about her journey from Prayagraj to Varanasi, she praised the seamless traffic arrangements that ensured smooth management of the massive crowds. "The way crowd control was executed at Kashi Vishwanath Temple reflects strategic thinking and flawless planning," she remarked. She also expressed pride in UP's female police officers, calling them role models for women across the country. The actress further discussed the preparations involved in portraying a police officer on screen and shared insights into how the film industry perceives law enforcement. Towards the end of the episode, Tandon expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the central govt for the excellent arrangements at Maha Kumbh and Kashi Vishwanath Temple. She concluded with an open invitation for people to visit Varanasi and experience the divine aura of Kashi Vishwanath.