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Haryana Police’s stress management through ISKCON’s Harinam Kirtan faces criticism

Gurgaon Police’s Kirtan Controversy: police staffs’ bhajan session with ISKCON draws criticism for questionable stress management tactics, the kirtan session was part of a stress management program conducted by ISKCON Gurugram on Police Day

A video of Gurgaon Police officers, including senior officials, participating in a “Harinam Kirtan”, along with a few saffron-clad people chanting ‘Hare Rama, Hare Krishna’ inside a conference room has gone viral, sparking mixed reactions online. While some viewers support the initiative as a unique stress management tool, others criticise it as an example of “saffronisation” within the Haryana Police.

The event centered on the topic of “Stress Management,” featuring Ramabhadra Prabhu, the president of ISKCON Gurugram, as the speaker. The kirtan session was part of a stress management program organized by ISKCON Gurugram on Police Day. The initiative aimed to assist officers in coping with the pressures of their roles. Led by Aradhya Gaura Prabhu, the session fostered a calming atmosphere designed to provide spiritual upliftment. According to ISKCON, the program received positive feedback from senior officials, including the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police, who expressed their appreciation.

The session took place on October 21, when Gurugram Police shared pictures of ISKCON members engaging with police personnel in a closed room, prominently displaying the Haryana Police banner in the background.

Gurgaon Police had posted through its official X handle that, “Under the guidance of Shri Vikas Arora, Police Commissioner of Gurugram, a #StressManagementSession was organized for police personnel in collaboration with ISKCON. During the session, Shri Aradhya Gaur Prabhu discussed the causes of stress and ways to remain stress-free through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.”

According to the print, a senior police officer stated that, “Our police personnel are constantly in stress because of the long working hours and the nature of their duties. Hence, we keep organising sessions where the speakers train them on how to destress. We also keep holding heartfulness sessions for our personnel,” he further added that, “This particular session by the ISKCON was for one hour, out of which just 10 minutes were dedicated to Bhajan Kirtan”.

Critics Slam Haryana Police’s Stress Relief Program as Saffronization

Online reactions to the video have been mixed. Some users praised the initiative for its creative approach to addressing police stress. One user remarked, “I see nothing wrong with this; they’re performing Harinam Kirtan, which is truly soothing. ISKCON significantly contributes to society by spreading the wisdom of ancient scriptures and uplifting us through Harinam. This inspires us to do more good for the community, unlike the empty influence of vulgar film songs. #Iskcon” as Economics Times reported.

In contrast, another user raised concerns, asking, “What if you dial 100 for an emergency and the police are busy with Harinam Kirtan? Will it be soothing to hear?” This sentiment was echoed by others who sarcastically remarked, “Way to go,” and “What a fall,” reflecting scepticism about the appropriateness of kirtan in a police setting, as reported Hindustan Times.

Samajwadi Party leader and former state minister I.P. Singh criticized the Haryana and Uttar Pradesh Police for incorporating religious activities into their official duties. He expressed his disapproval on his official social media handle, X, stating that “Police has been saffronised in Haryana, Gujarat, MP and UP.”

Senior journalist Mukesh Kumar also reacted to Haryana Police’s recent initiative featuring religious events for stress relief. In a post on X, he reposted Singh’s post and wrote, “This is not just saffronisation, it is also sterilisation. The policemen who intimidate the weak are clapping like fools here. No one has the courage to push this bhajan troupe out or get up and go out on their own. Everyone knows how the Haryana police is committing atrocities in connivance with the cow-goons. The UP police was never impartial and secular. Look at their role in all the riots. Meerut, Maliana, Hashimpura, Muzaffarnagar, how many to count. In the recent Bahraich riots, they could be seen roaming with the rioters with lathis in their hands. Read V.N. Rai’s book, you will know the character of the UP police.”

The viral video of Gurgaon Police officers participating in a “Harinam Kirtan” has sparked a heated debate online. While some commend the initiative as a novel approach to stress management, critics view it as an instance of “saffronisation” within the police force. Despite the mixed reactions, senior officials have expressed appreciation for the program, highlighting its potential benefits for officer well-being. This incident raises broader questions about the role of religion in public service and its implications for community trust.

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