Kochi: The event organized in Thrissur on Sunday was an informal one. G Poonguzhali IPS, AIG & Nodal Officer, CMO portal petitions, was speaking after inaugurating 'Azhakode Irupathu - 24', a gathering of women police officers who graduated from the Thrissur Police Academy in 2004. While she spoke, she carried Amizhthini, her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter in her arms.
The kid looked intently at the packed audience from her mother's grip. At times, she curiously touched the mic placed on the rostrum. Her attention then shifted to the flashing camera lights. She spent a while looking back and forth between her mother's face and the audience. The mother put the kid down for a moment. But Amizhthini wouldn't budge. With a single call, "Mom," she was back in her mother's arms. And the officer resumed her speech.
Poonguzhali brought her daughter along as it was a holiday and an informal event. Amizhthini's presence attracted the attention of senior police officers, organizers, and media persons attending the event. Poonguzhali began her speech by stating that Sundays were the only days she got to spend with her children and family.
She went on further about the sacrifices women police officers make to balance their careers and family lives. She pointed out that women police officers are not exempted from responsibilities that women in households generally shoulder. Poonguzhali also emphasized that the support of children and family is paramount to the success of women officers in their professional lives.
