Jammu, Jan 19:
In a creative and hard-hitting move to promote social responsibility, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has officially unveiled its 2026 Awareness Calendar. Unlike traditional departmental calendars, this 12-page edition uses the power of satire and art to deliver a stern message to lawbreakers and a hopeful one to the law-abiding public.
The calendar features the work of Shri Chandrashekhar, a world-renowned international cartoonist who has dedicated over 30 years to social activism through his art.
A Mirror to Society: Key Themes
The 2026 calendar isn’t just a tool for tracking dates; it serves as a visual manifesto against the various challenges currently facing the Union Territory.
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Operation Sanjeevani: A significant portion of the calendar is dedicated to the fight against the drug menace. It illustrates the J&K Police’s relentless crackdown on drug smugglers and peddlers, sending a clear warning that those destroying the lives of the youth will face “strong lessons.”
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Zero Tolerance for Terror: The illustrations highlight the force’s fearless and unwavering stance against terrorism and organized crime, showcasing the police as a protective shield for the common man.
Public Safety & Civic Sense:
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The Deadly ‘Gattu’: The calendar addresses the recurring tragedy of deaths caused by Chinese kite strings (Gattu) and highlights the strict enforcement actions taken to ban them.
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Youth & Road Safety: It targets “stunt biking” and harassment by underage riders, emphasizing the need for parental supervision and strict legal consequences.
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Protection of Women: Dedicated pages underscore the stringent laws and immediate actions taken against the harassment of women and minor girls.
Art with a Mission
By using cartoons, the J&K Police aims to make complex legal and social issues easy to understand for all age groups, particularly the youth. Each page serves as a reminder that while the police are a friend to the citizen, they remain a formidable force against those who ignore their social responsibilities.
The initiative has already begun to draw praise from civil society for its “out-of-the-box” approach to community policing and its focus on reformative communication.
