‘Knowledge Has No Language’ — IPS Officer Dr. Mahesh Bhagwat

PIMPRI-CHINCHWAD: In a candid and deeply motivating session, Dr. Mahesh Bhagwat, Additional Director General of Police, Telangana, visited Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering (PCCOE) on Thursday and engaged in an open conversation with students — sharing lessons from his remarkable journey through India’s civil services and decades on the frontlines of law enforcement.

Dr. Bhagwat was felicitated by PCET Chairman Dnyaneshwar Landge with a memento at the outset of the programme.

Read Newspapers Every Single Day

Addressing students preparing for competitive examinations, Dr. Bhagwat was unequivocal: disciplined newspaper reading every day is non-negotiable for staying on top of current affairs. He also stressed the importance of combining structured academic study with wide supplementary reading — a habit he credits as central to his own success.

“If failure comes in a competitive exam, you must already have a Plan B in place,” he advised, urging students not to put all their eggs in one basket.

A Career Built on Compassion and Duty

PCET Chairman Dnyaneshwar Landge, while felicitating Dr. Bhagwat, gave the audience a glimpse of the officer’s extraordinary service record. Dr. Bhagwat cleared the IPS examination in his second attempt in 1995 and has since served the nation across multiple high-stakes roles — rehabilitation of Naxalites, combating human trafficking, rescuing child labourers and setting up schools for them, and conducting sharp investigations into cybercrime.

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“He is known across Indian administration as a sensitive, duty-conscious officer with a deep social conscience — and that makes us truly proud,” said Landge.

Cyber Crime: A Growing Challenge

Dr. Bhagwat also turned the spotlight on a rising threat. He revealed that 25 per cent of all crimes currently being registered with the police are cybercrime-related — a staggering figure that demands urgent public awareness. He appealed to aware, responsible citizens to step up and act as ‘Police Mitras’ — community partners working alongside law enforcement to make neighbourhoods safer.

“Citizens expect a great deal from the police, and rightly so. But the burden on the force is equally immense. Informed citizens bridging that gap can make a real difference,” he said.

A Visit to Infinity Community Radio

The session concluded on a warm note as Dr. Bhagwat visited PCET’s Infinity Community Radio, where he engaged in a freewheeling conversation with listeners — extending the spirit of open dialogue well beyond the auditorium.

The programme was compered by Madhuri Dhamale, with the welcome address delivered by Executive Director Dr. Girish Desai. Also present were Vice President Padmatai Bhosale, Secretary Vitthal Kalbhor, Treasurer Shantaram Garade, Trustee Harshwardhan Patil, entrepreneurs Narendra Landge and Ajinkya Kalbhor, Principal Dr. Govind Kulkarni, PCU Regulatory Board Member Sachin Itkar, and Dean of Training & Placement Dr. Shital Kumar Ravandale.

“Knowledge has no language barrier. I cleared the UPSC examination with Marathi Literature and History as my optional subjects. Your medium is never your limitation — your preparation is.”

— Dr. Mahesh Bhagwat, IPS