Hyderabad's remarkable ability to swiftly transition its massive IT industry to a work-from-home model during the COVID-19 pandemic was celebrated on Friday with the launch of a book chronicling the heroic efforts behind the scenes. The pivotal role played by the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC) and its volunteers was recalled by top Telangana police officials and corporate leaders at the event.
The Extra Mile: A Chronicle of Service
The book, titled 'The Extra Mile', was officially launched by Governor Jishnu Dev Verma. It documents the extensive service provided by the SCSC in close coordination with the Cyberabad police throughout the health crisis. The governor emphasized that the pandemic challenge brought out the best in people, showcasing resilience and community spirit. He stated that witnessing individuals go above and beyond was a true tribute to the state of Telangana.
The volume was authored by the former SCSC secretary-general, Krishna Yedula, in collaboration with noted author and Indian missile scientist Arun Tiwari. It serves as a formal record of an unprecedented public-private partnership.
Police Recall Uncertainty and Volunteer Spirit
Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, who chaired the SCSC during the pandemic, shared vivid memories of the period's daily uncertainties. He revealed that police were inundated with hundreds of public calls, primarily requests for essential medicines and groceries.
"SCSC volunteers came out in large numbers to serve people in coordination with the Cyberabad police," Sajjanar said. He extended gratitude to the parents of these volunteers for allowing their children to venture out and address emergencies logged through a 24/7 call centre operational during the strict lockdown.
Adding a stark perspective, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Mahesh Bhagwat recounted instances of exploitation during desperate times. He shared a personal intervention where a private ambulance operator demanded Rs 1.6 lakh to transport a patient from Keesara to LB Nagar. Upon discovery, Bhagwat, then Rachakonda commissioner, ensured the money was returned. He humorously noted a healthy competition with the Cyberabad police force, which ultimately accelerated aid to those in distress.
The Secret Behind Hyderabad's IT Resilience
The then Director General of Police, M Mahendar Reddy, highlighted a key structural advantage that kept Hyderabad ahead of other major Indian cities. He credited the rapid facilitation of work-from-home logistics to the existing industry-government interface provided by the SCSC.
"This was because Cyberabad had an industry-govt interface, the SCSC, which other cities did not have," Reddy asserted. This unique framework allowed for swift decision-making and coordinated action, ensuring business continuity for the IT sector when it was needed most.
The launch event stood as a testament to a collaborative model where corporate volunteers, law enforcement, and government officials united to navigate one of modern history's greatest disruptions, setting a benchmark for crisis management.
