Visual storytelling is an ancient art. Visuals help us tell stories with impact. A. Rama Devi, Officer on Special Duty, Law and Order and Traffic (Additional SP rank), Rajahmundry, chose this powerful medium to educate and enlighten the unlettered masses on social evils.
A native of the Andhra region, the women police officer has gained prominence in Warangal district for her prudent approach to issues.
When she was posted as Sub-Divisional Police Officer at Mahabubabad in Warangal district towards the end of 2011, she decided to take up issues related to the welfare of women in Lambada thandas (hamlets). “There were a total of 696 Lambada thandas under the purview of 10 police stations which were under my jurisdiction. Almost 98 per cent of them were unlettered and so, the level of awareness about key issues was very low,” she recalls.
To drive home her point effectively, she used the visual media as a tool and made a short film, Chaitanyam, which portrays a fierce fight against brewing of gudumba (illicit liquor). Several youngsters joined hands to promote the short film.
Chaitanyam also brings to the fore other existing practices like chewing of tobacco and child labour.
“I wrote the script and directed the film and gave it a voice. For camera, editing and acting, I used local talent,” she says. The first CD of the film was released by then SP Rajesh Kumar Singh.
When ‘Nirbhaya Act’ came into force following the Delhi rape incident, Ms. Ramadevi came up with yet another short film to enlighten the public on the clauses of the Act, explaining in detail each Section of the IPC relating to rape, attempt to rape and molestation. Her work was widely appreciated.
“My 10-year stint as Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) has helped me understand issues quickly and respond to them immediately,” she says.
Ms. Ramadevei passed Group-2 exams in 1996 and was appointed MPDO. She won the best MPDO award continuously for 10 years. A native of Srikakulam, she is also a postgraduate.
