“Madam Commissioner: The Extraordinary Life of an Indian Police Chief”
By Ankur Babu
DEHRADUN, 1 DEC: In the third session of the Crime Literature Festival here, on Saturday, retired IPS officer Meeran Chadha Borwankar, the first woman commissioner of Maharashtra, shared her inspiring journey, offering a candid glimpse into the life of a police officer. Moderated by Garhwal Post columnist Sunita Vijay, the session delved into topics such as the role of women in law enforcement, the rise of cybercrime, and the intersection of politics and policing.
Borwankar opened up about the challenges of balancing her demanding career with motherhood. She revealed how she transitioned from handling crime and riots at work to being a warm, nurturing mother at home. To ease this shift, she requested 30 minutes of personal space after work before engaging with her children, which helped her manage the contrasting roles effectively.
She highlighted the importance of female participation in policing, emphasising that women officers are often more approachable, which helps reduce public fear of the police. She stressed the need to make police stations spaces of trust and sanctuary for those seeking justice. Borwankar also shared her experience of becoming a Police Chief, describing the lengthy approval process that took several months.
The moderator enriched the discussion by referencing excerpts and anecdotes from Borwankar’s book, making the session engaging and inspiring for the audience. The talk aimed to motivate young women to pursue careers in law enforcement without feeling pressured to conform to traditional notions of masculinity, encouraging them to remain true to their identities.
Borwankar reminded the audience that, in 2024, women can thrive in any profession without compromising their femininity. She called for a shift in public perceptions of the police, urging the media to support law enforcement by highlighting their positive contributions rather than sensationalising controversies.
The session was an enlightening exploration of the challenges and achievements of women in policing, leaving the audience inspired and thoughtful.
(Ankur Babu is a 2nd Year Journalism Student, Graphic Era Hill University)
