Many police officers have not only broken the proverbial glass ceiling, but have also broken the perceived image of a policeman in the eyes of the common man – that of a stern and harsh stickler for rules. This, these officers have successfully managed to do, with their exemplary work and also their creative pursuits!
Retired IPS officer Dhruv Gupt falls in this category. He is not only known for his work as a police officer, but also for his work in the literary field.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Gupt, who is from the 2004 batch of IPS, shared his thoughts on the two highpoints in his life – writing and policing.
COMFORTABLE IN DIFFERENT GENRES
Hailing from Gopalganj in Bihar, Mr. Gupt completed his Masters in Hindi from Bihar University. He doesn’t remember when exactly he started writing, just that it happened naturally. “I had too many thoughts and I started converting them into words. I don’t remember exactly when I started writing, but I used to write for my school magazine and during college days many of poems started getting published in newspapers,” he said.
He has written more than six books. Some of them are Bilkul Tumhare Pass, Mausam Jo Kabhi Aata Nhi (poetry collection), Moothbhed (collection of stories), Ek Zara Sa Aasman, Mausam Ke Bahane, Fir Teri Kahani Yaad Aai, Mujhme Kuch Hai Jo Aaina Sa Hai (gazals), and many more stories and poems.
On how he managed to write in so many genres, he said, “I started by writing poems and songs. Slowly I developed interest in stories, so I did that. Gazal came into my life a little late, but I have always been fond of the Urdu language. I believe that your thoughts are liberal and independent. It is not the writer, but the thought that decides which way is best for its expression. It can be a story, a poem or a gazal.”
SENSITIVITY IS IMPORTANT FOR POLICE
Apart from being known as a prolific writer, he is also known as an efficient police officer. From a SDPO in many districts of Bihar to DIG in Chhattisgarh, he has proved his mettle as a police officer. Talking about the changes in policing over the years, he says, “I feel the image of police in public is changing for good. Many police officers are focusing on community policing which is bridging the gap between public and police. Now they are seen as people’s friend.”
He also rued the fact that whether it is the IPS or any state police, the focus is mostly on their physical training. “This should change. They should be trained for sensitivity towards public. This can happen only if certain changes are made in the training programmes.”
He also said that strict rules and laws are not the only way to maintain order and a peaceful environment in society. There are many other ways that can be followed by police, the most important of all being sensitive and compassionate towards the public. “The day public will start seeing police as a friend, half of the crimes will stop,” the veteran officer concluded.
