Welcoming them in their language

Experts in various foreign languages are tutoring, for free, about 12 policemen posted at Khajuraho Temples to make them converse with tourists. Gaurav Chandra reports.

A local constable says ‘ohayoou gozaimasu’ and greets some Japanese tourists at the Khajuraho Temples in Bhopal.

HT Image

The foreign tourists are thrilled and say ‘Good Morning’ in return, excited that someone far away from home can speak their language.

This pleasantly surprising initiative of the state police has been getting great response from almost every foreigner visiting the temples.

Every evening policemen assemble in a makeshift classroom at Khajuraho police station or at SDOP’s office for their classes in basic conversational skills.

Experts in various foreign languages are tutoring, for free, about 12 policemen posted at the temple site to speak in as many as 17 foreign languages including English.

Situated in Chhatarpur district, about 380 kilometres from the state capital, the UNESCO world heritage site is famous for its erotic sculptures.

“We started the initiative three months ago and at present 10 of our policemen including constables, head constables and assistant sub inspectors are honing their skills in speaking foreign languages,” Chhatarpur ASP Anil Kumar Mishra – the man who came up with the novel idea – told HT.

Authorized language experts including guides and translators registered with Archaeological Survey of India, MP State Tourism Development Corporation and locals with thorough knowledge of any foreign language have been roped in to teach.

Assistant Sub Inspector Surya Bhan Singh said, “Our ability to speak English and Japanese is proving a great help to tourists.”