हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए क्लिक करें
To advance in the police service, it’s essential to learn to maintain discipline. Value your work…
Manjari Jaruhar- Bihar’s first woman IPS
The story of IPS officer Manjari Jaruhar can inspire anyone. She hails from Bihar and endured a lot after marriage at her in-laws’ home. Despite this, through her hard work and determination, she became Bihar’s first female IPS officer and the country’s fifth.
You have an English Honours degree from Patna University. How did your education help you become an IPS officer?
It’s true that what you study determines how you perform in prestigious exams like the UPSC. When I started preparing for the UPSC, I didn’t know what to study or what to focus on. There would be an outline for the exam. For that, I sought help from family members involved in the profession, and at the time, I received considerable support from Rao Sahib of the Rao Study Circle in Karol Bagh, Delhi. I diligently studied whatever he instructed me to study outside of the syllabus. During that time, while preparing for the UPSC, I also completed an MA in English Honors from Delhi University. This was very helpful because my college curriculum and the UPSC English syllabus were nearly identical.
What was the biggest challenge while preparing for a difficult exam like the UPSC?
It’s a very difficult test. So, I’m glad my family has always supported me and encouraged me to do well and work hard. I’m glad I’m determined. I never doubted my decision. I never doubted why I even started preparing for such a challenging exam. Yes, I knew it was tough and required a lot of hard work, which I did. I studied 16 hours a day. Discipline is crucial for this exam, or any exam in life. Discipline was instilled in me from an early age. As three older sisters, we were taught to maintain discipline in our daily routines; this lesson was instilled in us at home, and it proved to be very helpful for me.
In your experience, what kind of personality thrives in the police service?
To advance in the police service, it’s essential to learn to maintain discipline. Value your work and complete your assigned tasks with complete honesty. Passing an exam like the UPSC requires determination. Mental confidence is crucial. Often, you’ll find yourself in situations where you have to make carefully considered decisions. You’re on the ground, surrounded by thousands of people, and you’re acting as a leader. The police force accompanying you is waiting for your decision on their next move. You have to take the right action immediately, and simultaneously guide your seniors and juniors to that decision. Your mental strength is severely tested during such times, so you should definitely work on it.
According to you, apart from studies, what habits are necessary to become an IPS?
The curriculum is now much better than before; it has changed. If I talk about the UPSC General Studies subject, its scope is no longer limited to a single book but has expanded considerably. Therefore, it is now essential to keep yourself updated. You have to choose a subject separately and focus on it in advance. I had previously studied social science as a subject, but Rao Sahib advised me to study history, so I prepared myself for that.
What should students who want to become IPS officers pay attention to during their school days?
Times are different now. Previously, deciding what you want to become in your future happened during college. But now, children decide their future careers from a young age, and this is essential. Competition has increased in every field compared to the past. Therefore, you should choose your subjects while still studying, keeping your future in mind, and also learn any other skills that will be beneficial to your career.
Was there a time in your career when you questioned your decision?
In my time, being a female police officer was a challenge in itself. People didn’t view you and your decisions with the same respect. But I always remained honest in my work. This proved to be very helpful for me. As IPS probationers, we were given district-level training, but after performing well in Bokaro Steel City, I got the opportunity to work at the national level in CISF and CRPF. Additionally, I was given an IPS probationer training program at the National Police Academy. I got the opportunity to train the youth who dream of becoming an IPS officer.
How should they prepare themselves?
Absolutely, the way things work is changing. Therefore, it’s crucial that you don’t lag behind in technology. In addition to staying updated with what’s happening in society, keep yourself technologically up-to-date. Always be ready to learn something new. You should know how and when to use technology.
Even after retirement, are you associated with TCS, FICCI, and other organizations?
I’ve always liked to keep myself busy. I’m socially connected. That’s why I never considered myself a non-worker after retirement. I always try to inspire people in whatever way I can. Even before, if I was invited to a college, especially a girls’ college, to give a lecture, I would always try to wear my uniform so the girls could draw inspiration. To do this, you need to know how to do it.
What would be your most honest advice for today’s girls?
We would like to tell 17-year-old Manjari and all the young girls to work hard, make discipline a part of your life, live together in society, and do whatever you do with honesty.