KOZHIKODE: When India's first women's police station was inaugurated on October 27, 1973, in Kozhikode, it was historic nevertheless. The inauguration was conducted by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. And now in 2023, the same station is on the brink of celebrating its golden jubilee.

For the past month, women police officers have been making elaborate preparations for the golden jubilee celebration. Blood donations from 50 police officials, haircuts for cancer patients, and night walks for women empowerment were some of the initiatives put forward by women officers as part of the celebrations. Minister Mohammad Riyas will inaugurate the 50th anniversary celebration at 5 pm on Friday.

The idea of a police station dedicated only to women stemmed from the repeated attacks and humiliation faced by women during the early 70s time. Former prime minister Indira Gandhi proposed the idea and worked steadfastly to create history in India with the inauguration of a women's police station in 1973. Indira Gandhi was so zealous with the idea that she even agreed to inaugurate the station paying less heed to the location or her busy schedule. Kerala’s then Chief Minister C. Achuthamenon and Home Minister K. Karunakaran played their part well to fast-track the process.

In 1973, the station started with 10 policewomen including an SI in the control room building attached to the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner's office. During that time, white saree was the standard uniform for women police officers. And now, coming to 2023, the station houses 35 personnel including SI.

Padmini Amma, a native of Thiruvananthapuram was lucky enough to receive the station register from Indira Gandhi and become the first SI in the women's station. She remained here from 1973 to 1979 and later retired as S.P.