Like all crazy football fans, I go for the ISL matches at the Fatorda stadium. I happened to watch FC Goa play FC Pune from the North Stand on 22ndNovember. However on this day I got to see a Police officer manning the North Stand Upper tier with passion and concern. He personally ensured that the aisles were not blocked and when enthusiastic fans tried to lean on the railings he was there to gently advise them not to do so and guide them to their seats. This ensured a very well managed and orderly stand, which order is not seen in the other stands.
After the match I went up to him and thanked him for his efforts which sometimes we tend to take for granted. On his part he just smiled. This incident made me sit up and wonder whether we are seeing improvement in the behavior of the Police force.
The next incident confirmed my opinion of the police. Same venue, same stand. A friend went to watch F C Goa play Kerala Blasters on 26th November. With no seats available he and his wife stood at the entrance of the stand in and decided to carry their children on their shoulders, so that atleast their children could watch the match. Seeing their plight in the crowd, the same Police Officer came up to them and helpfully guided them to the box seats which were not occupied. My friend was touched by this gesture and narrated this episode to me.
How often do we experience such behavior even from our fellow human beings let alone from the men in khaki? Realizing that such acts should be highlighted and appreciated, I decided to find out who this wonderful personality was and even after enquiry at the Margao Town Police could not find out who the gentleman Police officer was. Anonymous you may be, hats off to you Sir. Keep up the good work.
Bosco Rodrigues, Cavelossim
