In the realm of literature, where words weave stories that resonate with the human experience, two remarkable authors emerge from distinct worlds to unite their pens and create a powerful narrative that unveils the truth of “Behind the Uniform.” It is a privilege to bring forth an insightful conversation with this dynamic father-daughter duo, whose diverse backgrounds in law enforcement and psychology have converged to illuminate the lives of those who serve and protect. Rakesh Kumar Singh, a seasoned officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Shubhangi Singh, a passionate psychologist, and author, join us today to delve into the pages of their collaborative masterpiece.
Q. How did your respective backgrounds in law enforcement and psychology shape your approach to writing this book?
Shubhangi Singh: My background in psychology proved beneficial in viewing the cop’s life from multiple perspective lenses. It helped me in understanding the psychological challenges and stressors they experience at their work along with the kind of coping mechanisms they develop. Knowing and understanding their work and life circumstances facilitates portraying them beyond their uniform/services, developing self-help skills, and building resilience.
Q. In your opinion, what are the most common misconceptions about police officers, and how does “Behind The Uniform” aim to dispel them?
Rakesh Kumar Singh: The common misconceptions are about the way we work and our physical appearance, often presented in movies or as satirical caricatures. In the book, there is a dedicated chapter addressing Bollywood’s elemental depiction of police personnel as potbellied while referring to policemen. These misconceptions tend to paint us as heartless and non-friendly, undermining our true dedication. “Behind The Uniform” comprehensively explores various aspects of our lives to correct these misconceptions, shedding light on work-life balance, social context, and stressors we face.
Q. In “Behind The Uniform,” you emphasize the importance of mental well-being for police officers. What strategies or recommendations do you provide to help them navigate the stress and demands of their profession?
Shubhangi Singh: In the book, we present the UISA model – Understanding, Identifying, Self-work, and Action Orientation. This model aids in comprehending the cop’s world from different angles, identifying the sources of stress, offering self-help activities for coping, enhancing emotional intelligence, and ultimately striving for happiness. Action orientation underscores the need for change at both the organizational and societal levels, nurturing a holistic approach to well-being.
Q. What message or key takeaway do you hope readers, particularly young adults, will gain from reading “Behind The Uniform”?
Rakesh Kumar Singh: The message we aim to convey to readers, especially young adults, is to cultivate an open-minded perspective when viewing police officers. Demonstrating kindness, compassion, and empathy towards them is essential. Through the pages of our book, readers gain insight into the daily struggles and challenges faced by officers and discover strategies to navigate these stressors.
Shubhangi Singh: “Behind The Uniform” unveils the human side of those who wear the uniform, encouraging readers to see them as individuals with emotions, dreams, and aspirations.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who wish to explore socially relevant topics and collaborate on meaningful projects like “Behind The Uniform”?
Rakesh Kumar Singh: To aspiring writers who aspire to delve into socially relevant themes, “Behind The Uniform” serves as an enlightening example. By delving into the lives of police officers and understanding the intricate interplay of factors, context, and situations, writers can effectively champion positive change and awareness in society.
Shubhangi Singh: Our collaborative endeavor showcases the power of combining diverse perspectives to craft a meaningful narrative that resonates deeply with readers.
As the conversation draws to a close, the remarkable journey of Rakesh Kumar Singh and Shubhangi Singh, father, and daughter, shines brightly. Their collaborative effort in “Behind The Uniform” has unveiled a world rarely seen, capturing the essence of the lives of those who serve tirelessly. This poignant exchange serves as a testament to the transformative potential of literature and collaboration, inviting readers to embark on a journey of empathy, understanding, and positive change.
