A city known for its date with history Delhi once in a while springs surprises by taking time out to extend a note of gratitude towards those who toil so that we can be safe, towards those who man Delhi Metro as also our nuclear installations, airports, seaports, oil refineries and cola mines. Around the time the city was paying its respects to World War-I heroes, Delhiites tilted their caps to the brave jawans and officers of the Central Industrial Security Force which commemorated its 46 foundation day earlier this month. From humble beginning in 1969 when it counted its personnel strength at a little over 3000 to now when the force has emerged as the largest organization with 1,41,635 personnel in the field of industrial security across the world, CISF is many ways is the unsung hero of our life.
A tech savvy force, my personal memory of its efficiency goes back to International Film Festival of India in Goa where CISF personnel stood rock steady even as threat loomed large on the festival in the wake of 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai. The CISF men stood there day and night, enabling the show to go on.
They travelled long distance every day to the venue of the festival, stood there in enervating heat but never once did they lose cool with often wayward visitors.
By the end of the 11-day fest in 2008, I had made friends with a couple of them from the Nasik unit.
So, the other day when the organisation celebrated in the Capital, my mind went back to Goa and indeed numerous UN missions where CISF officers have served in places like Cambodia, Bosnia, Cyprus and Tunisia, etc. A cost reimbursement, CISF deserves great accolades. Delhiites who turned up for the celebrations thought so too.
A CISF personnel jumping from a building during a drill. Photo: Shanker Chakravarty
Women personnel in blindfold dismantle their service rifles. Photo: Shanker Chakravarty
CISF personnel demonstrate how they rescue a VVIP. Photo: Shanker Chakravarty
Women contingent during the 46th Raising Day Parade. Photo: Shanker Chakravarty
CISF personnel demonstrate how to land from a building with rope. Photo: Shanker Chakravarty
A CISF fire fighter tries to douse fire from a gas pipeline during a drill. Photo: Shanker Chakravarty