IPS SARAH SHARMA

IPS Sarah Sharma, the 2010 batch IPS officer is widely known as a young and versatile cop. She grabbed headlines last year when she formed a special team of cops to deal with the rising nuisance of eve-teasing, but also recorded a full-fledged song in her voice on women safety. Currently serving as the Superintendent of Police of Vigilance Organisation, Odisha, she is committed to make public service free from corruption.  

‌Born in Brahmapur and raised in Sambalpur, Sarah’s parents were both wage-earners. She was focused and dedicated towards studies from the very beginning. The support of her parents was tremendous. “In order to fulfil the dream of my parents, I used to study dedicatedly. The amount of time I spent studying was done honestly. I used to spend most of my time with books,” she recalled. After completing MPhil at JNU, Delhi, she joined Hidayatullah National Law University in Raipur as an Assistant Professor. Post that, she worked as an assistant professor at KIIT Law School as well. At the same time, she was also preparing for civil services.

“I did not succeed in the UPSC exams in my first attempt. But I cracked it in the second attempt. I joined as an IPS officer in 2010,” she said adding that years of hard work, perseverance and focus was the key to her success.

‌Sharma idolizes her mother who inspired her to become an IPS Officer. “My mother gave me a civil service book when I was in standard eight. That time, I had no idea what civil services meant. My parents, especially my mother, wanted to see me as an IPS officer. Besides, since childhood I always wanted to work for society. So, from school days, I was pretty clear that I had to go ahead and become an IPS officer in the future. My firm determination and focus helped me in fulfilling my purpose. I also have a weakness for the uniform. I think a woman in civil uniform looks more beautiful. The profession also demands you to be fit. It showed me fitness and as a woman, I can say it makes us more powerful,” she reminisces.

After completing her IPS training, she was posted at Bolangir but it was during her stint as Superintendent of Police, Gajapati district that her efforts got noticed. Her deft handling of criminal cases and ability to maintain public peace and order was praised from all quarters. Sharma is also credited for starting the ‘she team’ project. Started at Parlakhemundi police station (Gajapati district), ‘she team’ is a dedicated team to deal with the rising nuisance of eve-teasing against women and girls. Notably, her efforts were appreciated by honourable Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, IPS Association and National Commission for Women. Earlier this year, during her stint as Gajapati SP, Sharma also adopted a tribal village, Sindipur under Gumma block in Gajapati district. Currently she is serving in the capacity of SP, Vigilance Organisation, Odisha.    

Interestingly, Sharma is a trained classical singer and considers music as her biggest passion. She has even penned and sung a few songs based on social issues. That apart, she is also passionate about exercise, dance and reading philosophical books.

The daring cop aspires to open an orphanage and old age home in the future. She says, “I always have a soft corner for the poor and downtrodden. So, I want to do something for them. And I try my best efforts to help people according to my calibre. I always try to please at least one person in a day.”

Sharma who was constantly on her toes, during the coronavirus-induced lockdown period helping and serving the people, has a small message for everyone. “I request everyone to take necessary precautions that have been provided by the government and the World Health Organization (WHO). Be safe and make everyone safe. Do not live thinking that only you and your family will live. Life is too short so try to help people based on your ability. Humanity should not disappear these days. Work selflessly for others,” she said.

Truly, an IPS office of her caliber, youngsters can look up to her as inspiration and harbour dreams of serving the people the way Sarah has been doing all these years! 

Written By Subhajit Panda

Image Source: Google