Manjari Jaruhar’s story is one of resilience, grit, and an unyielding commitment to justice. As one of the first five women to serve in the Indian Police Service (IPS), she forged a path in a profession long dominated by men, challenging societal norms and institutional biases. Her memoir, Madam Sir, has become a bestseller, inspiring readers across the globe with its candid portrayal of her life in law enforcement. Through her groundbreaking career, Manjari has not only transformed perceptions of women in the police force but also redefined what it means to lead with courage and conviction.
A Challenging Start
Manjari’s journey began in 1976, a time when women in law enforcement were a rarity. “I joined the Indian Police Service in 1976, and before that, in 1972, Kiran Bedi, who’s very well known, had joined the service,” she explained. Despite the precedent set by her trailblazing predecessor, Manjari faced resistance from the outset. “The chief of the police did not want me. I was asked to wait, and it was very frustrating.”
Her early years in the service were marked by constant pushback. “For the first seven, eight years, there was always resistance in our service. But I persisted,” she said. Manjari’s determination to stay the course, even in the face of institutional skepticism, would come to define her career.
Breaking Barriers in Bihar
One of the defining chapters of her career was her posting in Bihar, a state in India known for its traditional and conservative outlook. “We have a khaki uniform, a pant and shirt, just like the men. The people were very curious. I don’t think Bihar had seen a woman in pants, and that too in a khaki outfit,” she recounted.
Her presence in a male-dominated environment often left her colleagues unsure of how to address her. “Everywhere I went, even when I visited village police stations, they just did not know how to react to me. In our hierarchical culture, subordinates always say, ‘Sir’ for everything. Instead of yes or no, they would reply, ‘No, sir,’ and you are supposed to interpret what they mean. That is the culture.” The solution? A unique title that encapsulated her role and their respect: Madam Sir. “It has stuck,” she said with a smile.
Confronting Harrowing Realities
Manjari’s memoir captures the stark realities of her profession, detailing the moments that tested her resolve. “I had to recount things which were really important, things which were at the core of my heart,” she said. One such case involved a murdered woman whose parents begged her to pursue justice. But as the case progressed, the parents suddenly withdrew their plea. “When I asked them why, they said that the husband of the murdered daughter wanted to marry their second daughter. Can you believe this? I’ve written very graphically in the book about how your uniform feels useless in such moments.”
Her career also brought her face-to-face with systemic issues within the police force. “Very early in my career, I was drafted in a team to look into the blinding of criminals by the police force. They had thought of a novel idea of controlling crime by gouging out the eyes and pouring acid into the eyes of the accused. It was horrendous,” she recalled. Despite public support for the officers, Manjari took a principled stand. “The evidence was against the police officers. They had done it, and I could not say I would not prosecute them. I realized that in a police job, one has to go on a straight path if you want to deliver. You cannot do things which are not right, even if it means going against your own force.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
When Manjari retired in 2010, her journey was far from over. “I was very clear in my mind that I’m not going to sit at home,” she said. Almost immediately, she was approached by a senior police officer to work on combating music piracy. “My first job was dealing with the piracy of music. I had to create anti-piracy groups, teams who would go and check piracy of music physically. With my vast experience in how police stations operate, how teams work, and how the law works, I was able to advise them and build teams all over the country.”
Her expertise extended to corporate consulting, where she worked with a large IT company to improve women’s safety. “Women are working around the clock, often coming to big cities for the first time, so they face unique challenges. I guided the company on what security arrangements needed to be made for their safety.” Manjari also led initiatives for the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, heading its vertical on the private security industry.
Empowering the Next Generation
Manjari’s experiences have made her a vocal advocate for women in the workforce. “Women tend to leave their jobs at the slightest unease in family life. I feel that one should not give up so easily. If something is not working for you, make an effort to make it work,” she said. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration. “Often, when women are working, they have their noses up in the air and will not seek help. It is good to build contacts, have a mentor, and have a role model who can guide you.”
Her message to women is clear: perseverance and adaptability are key. “Don’t always feel frustrated that because I’m a woman, it is happening to me. Learn to work with every kind of team and group of people, and you will find success. It is for you to turn every challenge into an opportunity.”
A Continuing Journey
Despite her retirement, Manjari’s schedule remains packed with meaningful work. “I don’t think I’m retired, because I’m doing so many things, and I like to keep myself busy,” she said. Through her book and her ongoing efforts, she continues to inspire others to lead with integrity and courage.
In Madam Sir, Manjari writes about life’s challenges and how to turn them into opportunities. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of ethical leadership, and the profound impact of blazing a trail for others to follow. “They did not want me in the police service, but I stood my ground. I felt that I had been chosen to do a much bigger job, and I insisted and persisted.” For Manjari Jaruhar, the journey of breaking barriers and empowering others is far from over.
