Puri, May 4: With an aim to facilitate differently-abled persons and senior citizens to have a hassle-free darshan of Lord Jagannath and His siblings during the upcoming Snana Yatra and annual Rath Yatra, Puri SP KV Singh on Thursday launched ‘Yuva Shakti’ initiative by enrolling youth from seven sahis.
In local language ‘Sahi’ means a particular area or locality. The antiquity of Sahis in Puri dates back to 1230 AD.
“Sahi volunteers have been enrolled by police to assist in various types of public service. They have been enrolled after background check as enthusiastic volunteers after filling an application cum declaration form. 50 volunteers from total Sat Sahis (Seven Sahis) – Dolamandap Sahi, Kundheibenta Sahi, Kalikadevi Sahi, Bali Sahi, Goudabada Sahi, Harchandi Sahi and Markendeswar Sahi have been enrolled,” said SP KV Singh.
The SP launched the initiative at Town Police station in the presence of officials of Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee.
“As they are well known to local senior citizens, they will be of immense help in being first point of interaction with senior and super senior citizens of Puri for hassle-free darshan of Mahaprabhu during Snana Purnima and Rath Yatra,” added the top cop.
As they are also well known to Sevayats, They will assist Police in free and unhindered movement of Sevayats during Snana Pumima and Rath Yatra, he added.
“Keeping in view their support in the upcoming RathYatra 2023 – the Motto of Yuva Shakti has been decided as – Ama Sahi Ama Yatra Ama Seva,” SP Singh said.
They will be properly trained and sensitised by police in behavioural aspects and professional tips in assisting police during peak crowd timings.
