Shaik Saleema suddenly finds herself in limelight and is finding it difficult to handle all the publicity. The DCP in Rachakonda Police Commissionerate was conferred IPS status by the Union Home ministry last week, and ever since then, her phone has not stopped ringing, with reporters calling up from all across the country. State police service officers getting promoted to IAS is nothing new. But in the case of Ms. Saleema, this routine procedure assumes special significance because she is the first Muslim woman to become an IPS officer in Telangana.
In exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, DCP Saleema speaks candidly about her new status, the journey that she undertook to reach this level, and the people who supported her on the way.
FIRST MUSLIM WOMAN IPS IN TELANGANA
DCP Shaik Saleema was promoted as IPS in the non-cadre IPS promotion list released by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs last week. She became a DSP after cracking the state Group B exam in 2007. Her father Lal Bahadur is a retired sub inspector of police. However, she says, he did not inspire her to join the police force, getting a government job was her priority.
“I come from a lower middle-class family, and I just wanted a government job. I didn’t know that I would get selected for the post of DSP and was taken aback when I got to know. I joined with a little apprehension, but as time went by, I adjusted, and here I am today, enjoying my job.”
ABOUT HER FATHER AND HIS HINDU NAME
Her father’s Hindu-sounding name ‘Lal Bahadur’ has an interesting story behind it! “He was very fair, and his face used to turn red after exposure to the sun. So, the headmaster of his school used to fondly call him ‘Lal Bahadur’ and the name stuck. Everybody started addressing him by this name and, later on, the family too decided to keep this name only,” she reveals.
PARENTS FOCUSSED ON EDUCATING THEM
Saleema hails from Komatlagudem village in Chintakani mandal of Khammam district. She completed her schooling and graduation in Khammam and obtained a master’s degree in Biotechnology from Kakatiya University. Her elder sister Jareena is project manager in Infosys and younger sister Munni is Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) in Hyderabad. Her only brother Khasim is a doctor. All the siblings are well educated and Saleema credits this to her parents’ foresightedness.
“Our parents made sure we didn’t lack anything when it came to education and went out of their way to support us so that we can stand on our own feet in the future. My mother, especially, stood by us like a rock.”
ENCOURAGEMENT FROM ALL QUARTERS
She never faced any problems whatsoever for being a Muslim woman when it came to her career. “Everyone supported me and were happy for me when I got selected for the post of DSP. My community members, neighbours, parents, relatives… everyone encouraged me.”
She goes on to say that in Telangana, “all communities live together, mingle together, and celebrate together, and that is why, there is no rigidity.” She cites her father’s Hindu name as an example of the intermingling of religions and cultures, and the bonhomie between different communities.
SUPPORTIVE HUSBAND AND KIDS
Saleema is not only blessed with supportive parents, but her husband and children, too, are extremely supportive and understanding. Husband Baji Ahmed is Project Manager in Delloite. Her daughter Tanya and son Taufeeq are both in school.
“My husband mostly takes care of our kids so that I can focus on my work. Without his unconditional help in raising our kids, I would not have come this far in my career. I could freely go out to work knowing that he is there to manage the kids and home. My kids, too, are very understanding. They never demand that I should be present in school functions or any other ocassions.”
MESSAGE FOR YOUNG GIRLS
She feels blessed to have supportive parents as well as understanding husband and kids – the reason for her being able to break all gender and community barriers to become a trailblazer today. A role model for thousands of young girls from not so privileged sections of society. She has this message for them.
“Nothing is impossible to achieve. With firm determination, anything can be achieved. Look at me. I never thought I would become a police officer and go on to become an IAS one day. Coming from a backward community, it’s a big achievement. But with it comes more responsibilities. I hope to live up to everyone’s expectations and go on serving the nation.”
