An Interview of Indrani Baruah by Jahnavi Gogoi

An Interview of Indrani Baruah by Jahnavi Gogoi

Deputy Inspector General of Police, IPS officer Indrani Baruah is the recipient of myriad awards and has been bestowed with many honors. Most notably, she has been conferred with the President’s Police medal for Meritorious Service and the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for “outstanding service”.

She has been a trailblazer of sorts paving the path for many young women who have aspired to join the police force; a profession hugely dominated by men. Born and brought up in Digboi, Indrani Baruah was a student of the English department of Gauhati University when she cracked the ACS exam (Assam Civil Services Exam) conducted by ‘The Assam Public Services Commission’.

It has been a fascinating journey for this lady who is also a philanthropist, editor of a popular magazine, an advocate for female empowerment and a conscientious citizen. Quite recently, on International Women’s Day, 2022, Ms. Baruah was honored with the “Prantoshree award” by Arohan Foundation. She has also been awarded by Dy365 on International Women’s Day 2017 for contribution to society and culture and has received the Prag Prerona Award for women achievers.

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Let us have a heart to heart with this indefatigable personality who juggles so many responsibilities and yet, has spared a few moments to speak with us.

J: From studying Literature to joining the Police Force. Can you tell us a little bit about your journey? How did it all come about?

IB:When I was in school, my father passed away in a tragic road accident. So, from a very young age I realized that I wanted to work and be economically independent. I studied English literature as I loved the subject. But I did not want to take up teaching as a profession. Therefore, when the Assam Public Service examination was being conducted, I decided to sit for the exams. I had just completed my graduation at that time.

So, while I was doing my post- graduation from Guwahati University, I was selected for the Assam Police Service. I was thrilled. I knew the job would be challenging and different. Although my family were a bit hesitant in the beginning, they consented as I wished to join the service. I joined the service and completed my post- graduation studying in Dispur Police Station during my probation. I still love literature and am an avid reader. I write stories too whenever time permits.

J: This is probably a question which is often asked, but for the sake of our readers, can you tell us how did your family and friends react when you first joined?

IB: My family and friends were slightly apprehensive at first. But they have always supported my decision to join the service. When I joined the service in 1993, Assam was in the grips of insurgency. The State was going through a very bad phase with many incidents taking place.

It was a difficult time for the law enforcing agencies. Therefore, when I think back now, I feel my family, particularly my mother, took a very bold decision as she did not try to dissuade me and instead silently encouraged me to go forward. My friends were very thrilled and supportive.

J: If permissible, can you tell us something about your first few days on the job, your first posting. Did you face any challenges being a female police officer?

IB: The first few days were spent in the Police Training College. The training schedule was tough. But as I loved sports and was a sportsperson during my school and college days, I did not face any problems during the physical training. The toughest part for me was getting up at 3.45 am. It was winter and very cold. So, you can imagine how difficult it was to wake up at an unearthly hour every day.

I did my probation in Guwahati City and the period was an eye opener for me. At times we didn’t get to sleep for 48 hours at a stretch. As a female police officer, I faced a few problems as we were the second batch of lady officers. Our force was a male dominated one. So, the police stations did not have washrooms for lady officers. Our uniforms and equipment were designed for males.

So, it was difficult for us as we in the north-east are small built. But our colleagues and subordinates were very cooperative. The general public was curious about how we would function. But very soon they realized that we gave our best and were equally efficient, if not more than our male counterparts.

“Work sincerely and with dedication. That is the mantra for success.”

J: In the formative years of your youth did you have any female role models that you wanted to emulate?

IB: As I have already said I lost my father early. But my mother is a very strong woman. Her mental strength and attitude have inspired me a lot. She has always been my role model. Even now when I am in a dilemma, I value her opinion a lot.

J: You have an extremely busy schedule and are also a mom. It is strange that men are not asked this question, but I will still go ahead and ask; how do you maintain a work/life balance?

IB:It’s true that I have a busy schedule. But I have been fortunate to have my in-laws living with me. So, I could go to work without any worries. And if my in-laws were away, my mother would come and stay with us. I never had to worry about my children when they were young. And credit also goes to my husband, Parthasarathi Mahanta, who is also a police officer for helping me balance work and home.

We have worked like a team. If I was unable to attend PTM’s in school, he would attend it. He has shouldered a lot of responsibilities, and this has made my role easier. If the children fell sick or had exams, we both took turns to be with them and ensured that we gave them time and attention.

J: Has there ever been a time when you have been totally unsettled by an experience since you work in a high -risk environment. Did that ever make you rethink your entire career path?

“I was thrilled. I knew the job would be challenging and different. Although my family were a bit hesitant in the beginning, they consented as I wished to join the service.”

IB: There have been several instances where we have had hair raising experiences. But I chose this career knowing the risks involved. When we had joined this service, insurgency was at its peak. We have lost several colleagues in ambushes and operations. But this has never deterred us or made me rethink my career path. I love my job and if there is rebirth, I would opt for the same job again.

J: Can you tell us three things which most people don’t know about you?

IB: 1) I see the funny side of everything. Even serious matters.

       2) I love to embroider and knit.

       3) I love animals and particularly dogs.

J: What was the best advice that you have received that has helped you tremendously over the years to grow in your career?

IB: To give a patient hearing to everyone and not interrupt when someone wants to be heard. This helps in growing trust and has helped me immensely over the years.

J: Do you have a message for the next generation of female police officers?

IB: Work sincerely and with dedication. That is the mantra for success.

About the interviewer: Jahnavi Gogoi is an Indo-Canadian writer who has authored two series for children published by Macaw books India and Dar-El-Rateb, Lebanon. Her stories have also been translated into Arabic and were hugely popular with young readers for  real life situations infused with humor . She is also a well known poet who has recently made her poetic debut with ‘Things I told myself’ presented by Griffin Publication and available on Amazon. Follow her on Jahnavigogoi2 on twitter and add_a_dash_of_words for her beautiful verse.

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