They are the women who don the khaki uniform. They are the custodians of Constitutional values. On Republic Day, here’s catching up with some women police officers from tricity

SSP Nilambari Jagadale,ASP Ashwini Gotyal,DSP Harjit Kaur,ASP Niharika Bhatt

Mona

As we, the people of India, celebrate our 70th Republic Day with a resolve to constitute our country into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic, our forces carry on with their duties. We talk to tricity cops and know their thoughts on donning the vardi.

Big responsibility

Senior Superintendent of Police, UT, Chandigarh, Nilambari Jagadale, picked up this field due to the huge exposure it offers; an opportunity to deal with each strata of society — poor, middle class, upper class, elites. “Every strata has different problems and we get to solve them. Such exposure and opportunities are not possible except in government job. Challenges are that we need to have vision and foresee future problems. Then solve them,” says the cop, who enjoys being in uniform. It gives her a distinct identity. But at the same time, she finds it a constant reminder of serious responsibilities towards the law of the land and citizens. “The kind of opportunity police service offers, none other does.”

Dream job

“As the shine on the shoulders increases, the responsibility grows,” ASP Ashwini Gotyal puts it straight. Happy taking the typical South-Indian, middle-class family route, she had her engineering degree and IT job when her father inspired her for a bigger dream — to don the uniform. “This uniform literally takes your sweat and blood,” says the ASP with three shining stars on her shoulders. Vividly remembering her first day at National Police Academy, she avers, “They literally sculpt you to befit this uniform.” As she dons it day after day with pride, its courage and responsibility that becomes her armour. “Also you are just an officer in it; one gender neutral position,” she says.

High spirits

Donning a uniform was Niharika Bhatt’s childhood dream. ASP,  South Sub-division, Chandigarh, who would also be leading the parade this Republic Day, she recalls her rigorous training, “Goes without saying that the National Police Academy training is challenging, I value it because it made me mentally stronger to tackle any challenge on field.” A pride, an identity is what her vardi stands for her, “Seeing a lady officer in uniform, people approach with their problems and solving them is a responsibility, a duty I cherish.” While all government servants are serving according to our Constitution, Republic Day for her stands for a day that celebrates our country’s spirit.

Total faith

‘Mera vajood, meri pahchan meri uniform hai,” says DSP Harjit Kaur. In service from 1989, she has donned the khaki and fulfilled the responsibility that comes with this power all these years. A person in problem may repose more faith in a woman cop and she feels even more responsible to live up to that trust. Republic remains an important day for our country and the citizens; she says, “While rights we know, fundamental duties too should be known; only then can India become a country unparalleled in the world.”