Winds Of Change In J&K: Rural Girls Train To Join Police, Serve Nation

At 4:30 every morning, while most of Jammu is still asleep, young girls from the rural and border belts lace up their shoes and take to the ground. Sweating, sprinting and stretching beyond their limits, they are preparing to crack the police recruitment test and earn the khaki uniform. For these girls, the training ground is more than a fitness arena. It is the first stride toward serving the nation and safeguarding its people. "My dream is to join the police force so that we can usher in peace and prosperity in our region," said Palvi Kumari of Billawar, pausing briefly to catch her breath between sprints. For three rigorous hours each morning, Sub Inspector Showkat Hussain, an instructor with the Jammu and Kashmir Police Academy, drills these aspirants in every aspect of the recruitment process. With 36 years of service and hundreds of recruits trained, Hussain is a veteran. Yet he admits he is moved by the fire he sees in this batch.