Udaipur ASP Umesh Ojha on freedom, duty, responsible citizenship and the role of the police in a diverse India
Independence is not only about remembering the freedom India won in 1947; it is also about understanding the responsibilities that come with it. For the police, safeguarding that freedom is an everyday responsibility, through maintaining law and order, protecting citizens and ensuring that people can exercise their rights in a safe environment.
Ahead of Independence Day, we spoke with Udaipur ASP Umesh Ojha about the meaning of freedom, the role of the police, responsible citizenship, India’s diversity, social media, youth and the importance of cooperation between citizens and the police.
Q. What does Independence Day personally mean to you, as both a police officer and an Indian citizen?
ASP Umesh Ojha: As an Indian citizen, Independence Day reminds me of the priceless freedom we enjoy every day, the freedom to live, express ourselves and live with dignity. As a police officer, the day carries an added sense of responsibility. Every time I wear the uniform, it renews my commitment to serve society, uphold the law and safeguard the freedoms for which countless people sacrificed their lives.
For me, Independence Day is not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder that freedom survives when we fulfil our responsibilities.
Q. How do the police safeguard the freedom that citizens enjoy every day?
ASP Umesh Ojha: The role of the police is not to intimidate people but to safeguard their rights and ensure their safety. While policing during the British era largely served the interests of the rulers, policing in independent India is rooted in constitutional values and public service.
Whether it is maintaining law and order, ensuring fair investigations, protecting public spaces or responding to emergencies, our responsibility is to create an environment where every citizen can live freely and fearlessly within the framework of law.
“Freedom is sustained not only by demanding rights, but also by fulfilling our responsibilities.”
– ASP Umesh Ojha
Q. In your view, what responsibilities should every citizen fulfil to strengthen democracy and social harmony?
ASP Umesh Ojha: The Constitution grants us fundamental rights, but it also gives us fundamental duties. In a diverse country like India, peace and harmony can only be sustained when citizens are responsible, law-abiding and respectful towards one another.
If every individual performs their duties sincerely, democracy automatically becomes stronger.
Q. How can citizens use their freedom on social media responsibly while helping maintain public peace?
ASP Umesh Ojha: Social media is a powerful platform, but with that power comes responsibility. People should not forward or post unverified information.
Today, artificial intelligence can create very convincing fake content, which can spread misinformation rapidly. Such content can influence public opinion, mislead the youth and even disturb social harmony.
Before sharing anything online, citizens should verify the facts and think about its possible impact. Responsible digital behaviour is essential for protecting both freedom and public peace.
Q. What qualities do today’s youth need to become responsible citizens and contribute to nation-building?
ASP Umesh Ojha: The youth are the greatest strength of our nation. They possess immense energy and potential, but that energy needs to be guided by wisdom, discipline and values.
I believe our youth should have young shoulders but an old head, the enthusiasm of youth combined with maturity and wisdom. If young people remain responsible, morally grounded and committed to the nation, they can play a major role in taking India forward.
Q. How can the police and the public work together to build greater trust and cooperation?
ASP Umesh Ojha: Trust grows when both the police and citizens understand their shared responsibilities. The police are accountable for serving the public with fairness, transparency and integrity, while citizens should cooperate with lawful processes and act responsibly.
Take Udaipur’s traffic, for example. We have a huge population but limited police personnel to manage it. Smooth traffic operations and road safety can be ensured only when citizens cooperate and follow the rules. Their cooperation complements the efforts of the police and ultimately benefits them as well.
Mutual respect and responsible behaviour from both sides can make things much better and create a safer, more peaceful society.
Q. What is your message to the people this Independence Day on freedom, patriotism and our shared responsibility towards the nation?
ASP Umesh Ojha: India is a heterogeneous society with enormous diversity in its people, cultures and traditions. Managing governance and ensuring the smooth functioning of such a vast and diverse population requires immense effort. It is a scale and complexity that is unique to India.
That makes the role of every citizen even more important. Before demanding our rights, we should first fulfil our duties. Responsible citizens build peaceful societies, and peaceful societies build strong nations.
Let us celebrate Independence Day not only by honouring our freedom but also by embracing the values of service, responsibility, morality and sacrifice. Patriotism is reflected not merely in words, but in our everyday actions towards the nation and our fellow citizens.
QUICK BYTE | IN ONE LINE
●Freedom, in one word: Responsibility
●Patriotism is: Selfless service to the nation.
●One value every Indian should practise daily: Responsibility.
●One habit that can make our society safer: Verify information before sharing it.
●The first thought that comes to mind when you see the Tiranga: Sacrifice.
●One message for the youth of India: Have the energy of youth, but combine it with wisdom, responsibility and strong values.