Coach cop frames dreams for J&K youth

Amid protests, bullet and bloodletting, a young police officer in Kashmir is helping the youth live their dreams of a better and brighter future.

Sandeep Chaudhary, posted as the senior superintendent of police in restive Shopian, has embarked on a unique journey to coach youngsters through free classes and WhatsApp to prepare them for competitive exams.

The 2012 IPS officer launched 'Operation Dreams' on a trial basis for police sub-inspector aspirants in Jammu. Of the 200 youth he coached, 39 advanced to the second level of the test.

A journalism dropout from Punjab University, Chaudhary did his BA before completing MA from IGNOU. He worked in NABARD, State Bank of India and India Post before cracking the UPSC in his first attempt without any coaching.

After his transfer to Shopian, the 32-year-old decided to take time off his busy schedule and start the second leg of coaching for Valley's youth. Beyond regular classes, he uses WhatsApp to share coaching material and tips with a wider audience.

"I try to generate positivity among the youth. They should feel that the system cares for them. If an IPS officer is holding classes for them, it shows the system cares for them," Chaudhary told DNA.

The second leg of Operation Dreams will focus on career options available for youth in government and private sectors.

Young Achiever

A journalism dropout, Sandeep Chaudhary, 32, did his MA from IGNOU. He worked in NABARD, SBI and India Post before clearing UPSC in 1st try