It was 1987 and women had just started getting into the prestigious Indian Police Service (IPS). But the path was full of hurdles. Even though Kerala, touted as the God’s, is considered somewhat of a matriarchal society, the situation here was no different. It was hard for the people to accept a woman in uniform. It was during this period that Ms. R Sreelekha got into the services from Kerala cadre, became the first IPS of the state and paved the way for other women.
Ms Sreelekha’s challenges didn’t just end with becoming an IPS. Surviving in the services was way more difficult than getting into it. However, Ms. Sreelekha was prepared to shatter all the glass ceilings and this grit led her to become one of the most successful IPS officers of India. She has been appointed as the first female DGP with an independent charge. Currently posted as DGP (Fire & Rescue Services department), Ms. Sreelekha is continuing to inspire thousands of UPSC aspirants and young civil servants in the country.
‘People were laughing’
Ms. Sreelekha was born and brought up in Thiruvanantpuram. Since her childhood, she was determined to make a career of her own and Khakee was her first love. So, along with studies, music & drama she also joined NCC & NSS. After completing her graduation in English literature, she started preparing for UPSC while pursuing masters simultaneously. Getting into civil services had never been an easy job. So, she also worked as lecturer and Grade officer in the Reserve Bank of India. In 1987 her hard work paid off and she not only cleared the UPSC but also secured the rank for an IPS officer.
In one of the TED talks, Ms Sreelekha shared her earlier experiences in the services. She said, “Obviously at the time people were not in practice of seeing a woman in uniform. But what shocked me was that before I joined my DGP has told the other officials that a woman was coming to pollute the department. This was not the only comment to lower my aspirations and confidence. I faced this several times in my earlier days. But that didn’t bother me much, because I was sure in my mind that these challenges helps you to grow stronger”.
Refused the concessions
During her earlier postings, the fellow officers would tell Ms Sreelekha not do night duties or traffic duties. “They felt that they are giving me concession because I was woman. I refused all that and did all the duties. I tried to prove that woman can do all those things and even better than others,’’ she insisted.
From those not-so-memorable experiences to becoming the first DGP of Kerla, the journey of Ms Sreelekha has not been easy. She idealizes Ms. Kiran Bedi, the first women IPS officer of India (who subsequently veered into politics and is at present the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry).
During the three-decade long career, Ms. Sreelekha took several initiatives and was awarded with President’s medal. And yes, she is also known as ‘Raid Sreelekha’ because of the reputation of a strict officer she earned during her stint in the in CBI.
