Fri Oct 03 15:59:26 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, along with a brief introduction to its source:

**Source: The Hindu**

**Headline: “Project Guardian” App Reunites 12 Missing Children During Dasara Festival**

**THOOTHUKUDI, October 3, 2025** – A new application developed by the Thoothukudi District Police, in collaboration with students from National Engineering College in Kovilpatti, proved instrumental in reuniting 12 missing children with their families during the recent Dasara festival in Kulasekarapattinam.

The festival, which draws lakhs of devotees, presented a significant challenge for police in ensuring the safety of children amidst the large crowds. To address this, the “Project Guardian” application was created and deployed on the smartphones of police personnel stationed at nine assistance centers and eight child rescue teams.

The app allowed officers to quickly upload a photo and brief description of any child found alone, instantly disseminating the information to all personnel using the application in real-time. This rapid communication enabled swift rescue and handover of children to the nearest assistance center or rescue unit.

“Project Guardian” facilitated the safe return of 12 children to their families during the festival. Thoothukudi District Police commended the students of National Engineering College for their valuable contribution to the project’s success.

Read More