Vi Suraksha QR code technology to support Police Force and ensure children don’t get separated from parents and family on the route between Pamba and Sannidhanam

Coimbatore – During the annual Mandala pooja season, India’s leading telecom player Vi partners with the Kerala Police Department to ensure the safety of child pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine. Each year, the recurring concern of children getting lost in the crowd and efforts to reunite the misplaced wards with their and dear ones has been a cause of major distraction and worry for the Kerala Police. Understanding the challenges faced by Devotees as well as the Police Department in managing a pilgrimage of this magnitude, Vi has devised a QR code technology to help keep pilgrims safe and secure. Vi is requesting pilgrims to visit the closest Vi store in Kerala or visit the Vi stall in Pamba to collect a Vi OR code powered band and get the code registered with the mobile number of the guardian or family member. The band can be tied to the wrist of the children. When a lost child is spotted, he/she can be deposited at the nearest Kerala Police check post. At the Police booth, the officers on Duty can scan the QR Code and call the registered number of the guardian or family member to inform them to come to the booth and collect their ward.

Pathanamthitta District Police Chief, Ajith V. IPS officially launched the Vi QR Code bands initiative in the presence of Binu Jose, Vice President & Circle Operations Head – Kerala, Vodafone Idea Limited, at a function in Pathanamthitta SP Office.

Extending his best wishes to all pilgrims visiting Sabarimala this year, Binu Jose, Vice President & Circle Operations Head – Kerala, Vodafone Idea Limited, said “Vi has been a pioneer in leveraging our telecom technology expertise to bring value added products and services that make life simpler and better. The Annual Sabarimala Yatra brings an estimated 45–50 million devotees to the shrine. Each year, the Kerala Police deals with several hundred complaints of lost children during the Mandala and Makara Vilakku seasons. In line with Vi’s campaign Be Someone’s We that underscores our commitment to share the spirit of togetherness and inclusivity with all members of society, we believe our QR code technology will benefit the masses and support the Police at one of the largest congregation of human beings in the country. We are proud to associate with the Kerala State Police force for this initiative. Together, we seek the support of all citizens to support our endeavor to keep your children protected.”

Ajith V. IPS. Pathanamthitta District Police Chief, said “We are happy to associate with Vi in introducing its technological aid to address one of the perennial issues faced during Mandala and Makara Vilakku season. Vi Suraksha QR code technology band will significantly reduce the efforts of the Kerala State Police Force to address the missing cases of child pilgrims and to finally get the child pilgrims united with their guardians.
To avail Vi powered QR Code bands, devotees of Lord Ayyappa can walk into the nearest Vi store in Kerala as well as the Vi stall set up at Pamba and register with the necessary information. The QR Code bands will be active during the pilgrim season and are non- transferable.