The honour was bestowed by representatives of the Heartfulness Institute in the presence of Inspector General Ruchivardhan. Officials said the award acknowledges the DGP’s role in institutionalising meditation-based mental health practices across the Madhya Pradesh Police, aimed at improving emotional resilience and decision-making among personnel.

The announcement of the award was originally made on December 21 during a national-level programme held at Kanha Shantivanam in Hyderabad, attended by the Vice President of India. The initiative was cited as a model for integrating mental health interventions within large, high-stress public service organisations.

Under Makwana’s leadership, Heartfulness Meditation was introduced in the Madhya Pradesh Police in 2022 as part of a structured mental wellness programme. The initiative was significantly expanded in February 2025, extending its reach to all police stations and training institutions across the state. As part of the programme, serving personnel and newly recruited constables undergo regular guided meditation sessions during training and routine duty schedules.

Senior police officials said the department currently has nearly 1,000 trained Heartfulness trainers supporting the programme. In addition, the police force has begun developing in-house trainers to ensure long-term sustainability and wider coverage without dependence on external resources.

According to internal assessments, the initiative has yielded measurable benefits. Officials noted improvements in stress management, clarity in decision-making and overall work efficiency among police personnel. The programme has also been credited with fostering a more sensitive and people-centric approach to policing, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Speaking at the ceremony, representatives of the Heartfulness Institute said the Madhya Pradesh Police’s adoption of meditation as a core wellness tool reflects a progressive shift in law enforcement culture. They said the initiative demonstrates how mental health interventions can enhance professional effectiveness while improving the well-being of frontline officers.

Police leadership indicated that the programme will continue to be strengthened in the coming months, with plans to further integrate mental health practices into daily routines and leadership training modules.

The recognition places the Madhya Pradesh Police among the first law enforcement organisations in the country to receive national-level acknowledgment for a structured mental wellness programme.