Taking them to the right side of law

Club activity: R-5, Virugambakkam Police Station Boys Club playing the band. File Photo  

These are unique clubs with a purpose. There are more than 100 of them in the city. They are not centre for entertainment, but are education based. These clubs focus on moulding the personality of the under-privileged youth. It is here, a number of youngsters from the local slums get an opportunity to participate in cultural activities, sports and competitions.

To prevent delinquency

Called Boys Club, it was conceptualised in the early 1950s and began by officers of the police department to prevent delinquency among slum children whose parents (mother or father) happened to be jail. These children were encouraged in sports and other related activities. The activities which were alive for nearly two decades slowly faded away.

Originally written for The Hindu, read more at https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/taking-them-to-the-right-side-of-law/article3441774.ece