Police personnel and members of various civil society groups bid farewell to senior IPS officer Ravikante Gowda, who retired as the Inspector-General of Police, Central Range in Davangere on Monday.

Junior officers recalled their days of serving with Dr. Gowda in various capacities. Some described him as an officer with virtues of loyalty, discipline, courage, and commitment to public service.

About two decades ago, he played an important role in curbing the illegal liquor business in the Kamaripet area in Hubballi. It set an example for other officers, they said.

Responding to the felicitation, Dr. Gowda said that policing is hard work and puts a strain on the lives of officers and personnel. He urged them to take up hobbies such as reading literature, writing poetry, listening to music, and attending theatre performances.