In a heart-touching initiative, the Sambhal Police, led by Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Ms. Anukriti Sharma, celebrated Diwali in a truly meaningful way. Rather than limiting festivities to police stations and homes, Ms. Sharma took her team to the streets to find and uplift the destitute — ensuring that the festival of lights reached even the darkest corners of society.
Also Read: Anukriti Sharma Wanted to Become Scientist, But Ended Up As An IPS Officer
This initiative, part of Mission Shakti 05, has not only brought smiles to many faces but also highlighted the humanitarian spirit within the police force. Social media users across the country are applauding Ms. Sharma’s gesture, calling it a shining example of empathy and service.
Finding Light in the Shadows: How It All Began
Constable Virendra from Sambhal Police first discovered three impoverished women — Maya Devi from Babrala town, widow Rajwati, and Kiran Devi — all living in dire financial conditions. These women, struggling to make ends meet, were identified under Mission Shakti, which aims to empower and support women in distress.
When informed, Ms. Sharma decided not to remain a spectator. She personally visited their homes with her team, bringing sweets, food supplies, and essential household items. Her presence transformed their humble surroundings into places of warmth and celebration.
Respect Beyond Duty: Seeking Blessings from the Elderly
In a touching gesture, Ms. Sharma and her police team sought blessings from the elderly women by touching their feet — a rare and emotional sight that resonated with people online. While society often forgets its elderly, this act of humility by a senior officer stood as a reminder of India’s timeless values of respect and compassion.
At Kanshi Ram Awas, Ms. Sharma’s team also celebrated Diwali with children from underprivileged families, distributing sweets, firecrackers, and sharing the story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya — symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
Empowering Through Mission Shakti
Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Sharma said, “Through Mission Shakti 05, we identified women living in extreme poverty and isolation. It was our duty to ensure they felt the true spirit of Diwali. With the help of local officers like Mr. Narendra, we made sure no one felt left behind during this festival.”
This initiative aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s broader developmental vision of community policing, where law enforcement is not just about maintaining order but also about building social harmony and trust.
The Woman Behind the Badge: Ms. Anukriti Sharma
A 2020-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Ms. Anukriti Sharma is known for her leadership, intellect, and compassion. Originally from Jaipur, Rajasthan, she completed her schooling from Indo Bharat International School, Jaipur, and later cracked the IIT-JEE to join the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata.
Her academic excellence took her to Rice University, Houston (Texas, USA) for PhD research on the “Origination of Hawaii and Volcanoes.” However, her heart lay in public service. After six attempts, she succeeded in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, joining the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 2018, and finally the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 2020.
Her work in the Uttar Pradesh Police has consistently promoted gender equality and community outreach, earning her admiration both within and outside the force.
A Beacon of Hope and Humanity
Through this heartwarming initiative, Ms. Sharma has set a precedent for humane policing. Her Diwali mission in Sambhal exemplifies how governance and empathy can work hand in hand to build a more inclusive society.
As social media continues to hail her gesture, this story serves as a reminder that true celebrations lie not in grandeur, but in sharing light with those who live in darkness.
