A Strong Step Toward Safety Through Education
Pauri Garhwal –
In response to the increasing incidents of leopard and wildcat attacks, District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan has launched a remarkable initiative, especially for school-going children. To ease the fear among students and parents, lessons on “how to stay safe from leopards” are now being taught in schools. Soon, additional lessons on cybercrime, drugs, and the POCSO Act will also be introduced.
Dr. Chauhan, using education as a medium for safety, collaborated with the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) and the education department to design a unique curriculum focused on protection from leopards and wild animals. This book includes practical tips, safety measures, and wildlife awareness content presented in a simple and engaging format. The initiative received praise from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who officially launched the book during the Vaikunth Chaturdashi Mela in 2024. It is now being taught across district schools, boosting children’s confidence and bringing peace of mind to parents.
Dr. Chauhan's initiative doesn’t stop there. He has also directed DIET and the education department to prepare special courses on drug prevention, the POCSO Act, and cybercrime awareness. These materials, which are in the final stages of development, will soon be part of the school curriculum. The new content includes chapters on the harmful effects of drugs, relevant legal provisions, methods to avoid cyber fraud, and practical advice on digital safety and privacy. This education will not only help keep children safe but also shape them into responsible citizens.
Dr. Ashish Chauhan emphasized that due to the rising threat of leopard attacks, it became essential to equip children with practical knowledge on how to stay alert and protect themselves. That led to the creation of this specialized curriculum, now being taught in schools. He added that raising awareness among children and youth on critical issues like drugs, cybercrime, and the POCSO Act is equally important. The aim is to ensure every child becomes not just academically strong, but also socially and digitally aware and secure.
Principal of DIET, Swaraj Singh Tomar, shared that under the guidance of the District Magistrate, DIET and the education department have created this safety-focused curriculum. It provides practical awareness so that children can stay vigilant in forests or risky areas. Curricula on sensitive topics like drugs, the POCSO Act, and cybercrimes have also been prepared and will soon be included in the regular school syllabus.
