https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

A DGP Unveils the Human Face of the Khaki

Those donning a Khaki have been typified. They are sometimes vilified and at other painted as inhuman and corrupt creatures masquerading as the guardians of law and order in the country. Former DGP of Uttar Pradesh O.P. Singh stands out as some kind of an aberration going by his second memoirs after Crime, Grime and Gumption : Case Files of an IPS officer. While the first one was more of recollection of cases, this one called Through My Eyes : Sketches From A Cop's Notebook, is more about how a police officer can help people, sometimes even going out of the way.
Indian Masterminds Stories

In a landscape often painted with broad strokes of cynicism and sensationalism, the Indian police force frequently finds itself at the receiving end of public scrutiny. Yet, beneath the rigid uniforms and the demanding duties, lie myriad human stories – tales of dedication, dilemma, and often, quiet heroism. It is this rarely seen, deeply human dimension that O. P. Singh, the former Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh, masterfully brings to light in his latest offering, Through My Eyes: Sketches From A Cop’s Notebook.

This isn’t merely a memoir; it’s a mosaic of narratives, a collection of candid vignettes that invite the reader to step into the shoes of a top cop and witness the intricate dance between law, order, and life itself. Through My Eyes is a refreshing departure from typical police chronicles. Instead of a chronological autobiography, Singh presents a series of 42 short, impactful chapters.

Each story is a standalone anecdote drawn from his extensive career, spanning from his formative years to his impactful tenure in the Indian Police Service. This episodic structure makes the book incredibly engaging and accessible, allowing readers to dip in and out, much like flipping through a cherished photo album, as the author himself suggests.

One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its unflinching yet empathetic portrayal of the Indian bureaucracy and the challenges inherent in public service. Singh doesn’t shy away from highlighting the absurdities and inefficiencies that can plague the system. The widely circulated anecdote of a caterer, who was denied a paltry Rs 7,000 payment for serving chicken to then Prime Minister Chaudhury Charan Singh’s entourage decades ago because “the Prime Minister does not eat chicken,” is a prime example.

This seemingly trivial incident, recounted with a touch of wry humor, serves as a poignant commentary on the labyrinthine corridors of officialdom, where logic often takes a backseat to rigid rules and red tape. It’s a story that resonates deeply, offering a glimpse into the frustrations faced by ordinary citizens and the systemic inertia that can devour both small payments and grand intentions.

Beyond the bureaucratic quagmires, Singh delves into the very real, often harrowing, challenges faced by the “men in khaki.” He recounts incidents that underscore the immense pressure, the moral dilemmas, and the emotional toll of the job.

The chilling account of an “honour killing,” where a father brutally murdered his own daughter, is a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of society that police officers confront daily. Singh’s narrative here is not just about the crime but about the profound impact such incidents have on those tasked with upholding justice. He portrays the police not as infallible supermen, but as individuals grappling with complex human situations, often operating within legal limitations while striving to establish the rule of law.

What truly sets Through My Eyes apart is its emphasis on the humanistic side of policing. Singh consistently illustrates how empathy and a genuine desire to serve the public good can transcend the confines of authority. He recounts instances where small acts of kindness or a sensitive approach made a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals.

This perspective challenges the often-negative public perception of the police, reinforcing the idea that good policing is not just about wielding power but about using it responsibly and compassionately. For instance, the incident of a Home Minister being unexpectedly stranded at a railway station and Singh personally stepping in to ensure his reception, highlights the resourcefulness and dedication often required beyond formal protocols.

The book also offers fascinating insights into the author’s interactions with various political figures, including a chapter dedicated to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, where Singh shares a “softer side” of the leader. These anecdotes provide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the dynamics between political leadership and law enforcement, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.

In essence, Through My Eyes: Sketches From A Cop’s Notebook is a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of policing in India, the intricacies of bureaucracy, and the human stories that often go untold. O. P. Singh’s sincerity in language and his detailed, graphic narration make each story come alive.

It’s a book that doesn’t just inform but also inspires, reminding us that even within a demanding and often thankless profession, there are individuals who strive to make a positive impact, one human connection at a time. For aspiring civil servants, for those who believe in the power of public service, and for the common reader seeking a glimpse into a world rarely seen, this book is an invaluable and truly eye-opening experience.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Odisha Government
Odisha Elevates Two Promising IFS Officers to Senior Time Scale, Strengthening Forest Leadership - Know More About Them
Yogi Adityanath UP
Uttar Pradesh Floods: CM Yogi Adityanath Forms ‘Team-11’ for Swift and Transparent Flood Relief Across 12 Districts
DGR Job Fair
DGR Job Fair 2025 Held in Delhi to Empower Ex-Servicemen with Career Opportunities in Emerging Tech - Details Inside
omc
Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) Begins Dispatch from Dubna Mines, Strengthening Supply Chain and Industrial Growth
NFDC
NFDC Launches Free Residential 3D Animation & VFX Training for North East Youth - Here's All You Need To Know
CM Yogi
CM Yogi Adityanath Reviews Rs. 42,891 Crore Development Proposals for Lucknow Division, Emphasizes Timely, Inclusive Execution
Mahanadi River
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai Assures Odisha of Consideration on an Amicable Solution to Mahanadi Water Dispute
MP News
Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav Pays Tribute to Pt. Ravishankar Shukla on His Birth Anniversary
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Karn Satyarthi
How IAS Karn Satyarthi Transformed Gumla Through Empathy and Innovation
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
IRAS Ananth Rupanagudi’s Take on Corruption, Reform, and Duty
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-26 at 13.16
What Most Indians Don't Know About Jim Corbett
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
BPSC Bihar police
From Lantern Light to Police Uniform: How Praveen Kumar from a Small Bihar Village Cracked BPSC to Become SDPO
From a lantern-lit village in Bihar to becoming an SDPO, Praveen Kumar's journey is a testament to resilience,...
IAS Priyansha Garg
Why Mindset Matters: IAS Priyansha Garg’s Mental Health Mantra for UPSC
After two failed prelims, Priyansha Garg cracked UPSC with AIR 31 in her fourth attempt, proving how...
Ashish Akshat
From Setback to State Topper: How Ashish Akshat Topped JPSC While Working Full-Time
Ashish Akshat from Dhanbad topped JPSC 2023, proving that resilience, discipline, and family support...
Social Media
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve: From India’s First Sanctuary to a Tiger Conservation Success Story | International Tiger Day Special
IAS Supriya Sahu Hails Mudumalai's Role in Tiger Conservation on Tiger Day. Declared in 1940, Now Among...
Mangroves
Mangroves: Nature’s Shield Against Disasters, Says Officer Parveen Kaswan on Mangroves Day - Watch His Post Here
Mangroves, with their dense, interlaced root systems, form a mesh-like structure that serves as a buffer...
Retired IPS Inderjit Singh Sidhu
Purpose Doesn’t Retire: How 88-Year-Old Retired DIG Becomes Chandigarh’s ‘Quiet Warrior’ of Cleanliness
Inderjit Singh Sidhu’s Dawn Patrol Earns Applause, Mahindra’s Praise for a Man Who Chose Action Over...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Odisha Government
Odisha Elevates Two Promising IFS Officers to Senior Time Scale, Strengthening Forest Leadership - Know More About Them
Yogi Adityanath UP
Uttar Pradesh Floods: CM Yogi Adityanath Forms ‘Team-11’ for Swift and Transparent Flood Relief Across 12 Districts
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Karn Satyarthi
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-26 at 13.16
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT