Meet a Unique IPS Officer Who Cherishes Comics
In a world dominated by technology and digital distractions, one IPS officer from Patna stands out for his deep love of comics. Pankaj Kumar Raj has not only preserved a vast collection of comics but also actively promotes reading them among the younger generation. For many of us, childhood memories are intertwined with beloved characters like Super Commando Dhruv, Nagraj, Chacha Chaudhary, and Doga, but in today’s fast-paced environment, these nostalgic pursuits are often forgotten. Let’s dive into the inspiring story of Pankaj Kumar Raj and discover how comics have shaped his life and career.
A Treasure Trove of Comics
Pankaj Kumar Raj, currently serving as the Civil Defence Superintendent of Police and Assistant Director, has an impressive collection of around 300 comics, some of which date back 25 to 30 years. He treats these comics with reverence, storing them neatly in cupboards, much like rare artifacts. In a time when digital screens have taken over, Pankaj chooses to immerse himself in these colorful pages during his free time, displaying his passion for storytelling through comics.
Inspired by Heroes
Pankaj credits much of his determination and success as an IPS officer to the characters he read about as a child, especially Super Commando Dhruv. This character resonated with him, as Dhruv personified resilience, overcoming challenges through sheer willpower. Pankaj reflects that reading about such heroes inspired him to forge a path for himself in life. He asserts that if one is dedicated and determined, they can overcome obstacles, much like his comic book idol.
Comics Over Screens
In today’s digital age, where mobile phones and computers are prevalent, Pankaj holds a firm stance against their overuse. He advocates for reading comics as a way to disconnect from screens and enhance focus. He points out that comics from 25-30 years ago are difficult to find in stores today, which motivates him to seek out paperback editions to satiate his love for reading.
Building Concentration Through Comics
Pankaj emphasizes the cognitive benefits of reading comics. He believes that they foster concentration while enhancing linguistic skills. Unlike reading on digital devices—which often invites distractions through notifications—comics provide an uninterrupted reading experience. This uninterrupted engagement helps build focus and depth of understanding.
Encouraging the Next Generation
Pankaj isn’t just a comic enthusiast for himself; he ardently encourages his children to engage with comics rather than spend excessive time on electronic devices. He maintains a strict household rule: screens are to be used only when absolutely necessary. In their free time, he motivates his children to explore the vast world of comics, often joining them to read together, thus instilling a lifelong love of reading.
A Journey of Accomplishments
Hailing from Lakhisarai district, Pankaj Kumar Raj belongs to the 2006 batch of IPS officers. Remarkably, he achieved this prestigious rank with only a graduation degree from a Hindi medium school. Beyond his affinity for comics, he is also an accomplished badminton player, having captained the Bihar team in the All India Police Badminton Competition and clinched championships in various state-level tournaments. His career has seen him serve as ASP in Bettiah and SP in several districts including Chapra, Supaul, Munger, Nawada, and Sitamarhi.
A Message to Parents
Pankaj urges parents to prioritize reading over screen time for their children. He advises against reprimanding kids for reading comics, as it can significantly bolster their vocabulary and understanding of language. He believes that embracing reading—whether comics or other literature—will enrich their lives and expand their horizons, nurturing well-rounded individuals for the future.
