By Shobha Smilemaker

Mangaluru, Aug 31: For the first time in the history of Mangalore, 112 women of all ages representing different organizations, got together at the Police Commissioners office on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan day.

The tying of rakhis to the Police personnel by the 112 women truly acknowledged the role of the Mangalore Police in providing 'raksha' or protection to the women of Mangalore who really feel safe in this city of Mangalore. All know that police help is just one phone call away by dialling the emergency number 112.

This novel initiative was taken by the dynamic Sabrina Houggard and team who have contributed to a number of community causes in Mangalore! Women representatives from organisation like Lions, Rotary, Jaycees, Toastmasters, schools, colleges, universities, clubs, support groups and more were present to express their love and gratitude to the Mangalore Police.

The first rakhi was tied by the super senior woman of Mangalore, the 94 year old Conny Shestra to the super cop police commisioner Kuldeep Kumar.

The top cops and their police teams, along with Mangalore women sung the national anthem in unison, making it a truly magical moment of the celebration of the rakhi festival.

Two foreigners were also present to witness this beautiful Indian tradition of Rakhee - Jesper Houggard, a local resident from Denmark and Craig Miller a visitor from Australia, who had never seen anything like this anywhere in the world!

Such community celebrations of our ancient festivals will continue to spread smiles around. We just love our India!