Page 148 - Sanidhya 2025

My Journey In CRPF

“I am not here because I needed it, I would like to share an incident that occurred on 18th
I am here because I dreamt about it.” March 2025, when I was traveling on the Blue Line Metro.
A civilian passenger suddenly collapsed due to cardiac
As a newcomer to this force, I joined the CRPF in 2022 as a arrest. In the absence of immediate help from fellow
DASO (Directly Appointed Subordinate Officer) and have passengers, I acted quickly and administered CPR
learned a lot. Back in 2022, when the results were declared, (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). After approximately 2–3
I was ecstatic to be selected for CRPF. But when I told my minutes, the passenger regained consciousness. He was
mother about it, she got angry. deboarded at the next station, where a medical aid team
Yes, I said angry, because she never wanted me to join the was already waiting to take over and transfer him to
CRPF. My maternal grandfather was in the force, so we had further care.
an idea of the challenges a woman might face while
serving. That night was not a happy one for me—I was That was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save
literally trying to convince my mother to let me join, but someone’s life. After the incident, I returned to my normal
she was firm in her denial. She told me to skip it and state and didn’t think much of it. I just informed my
instead prepare for upcoming exams. I was standing at a company commander about it. But that same night, I
crossroads… but I made my decision. I chose to join the received compliments and appreciation from my Battalion
CRPF. CO, Smt. Mamta Singh (Commandant), and even an

TRAINING AND FIELD DUTIES appreciation tweet from the DG of CRPF, Sh. Gyanendra
From that day on, I never looked back. I went for basic Pratap Singh.
training at ETC Coimbatore. It was rigorous, both physically
and mentally. We—the DASO 94th Batch—learned a lot It was a dream come true to be appreciated by senior
there. Coimbatore has hilly terrain and a hot, humid officers. I was later awarded the DG Disc and a
climate. For someone like me from the plains, it was tough Commendation Certificate—all within a week of the
to adjust, but day by day, we got used to it. incident. I had never imagined receiving such recognition,
but that’s the CRPF for you—a place where a woman’s
During training, we learned skills like firing, hill climbing, hard work never goes unnoticed.
navigation, etiquette, and much more. It was one of the
best experiences of my life. After completing one year of
training, I joined the 88 (M) BN in July 2023, where I got
my first election duty in November 2023. We went to
Ujjain for the MP Legislative Assembly Elections. The
experience was smooth yet enriching. We carried out flag
marches, mobile patrolling, and booth duties, working
alongside the civil police to manage the public.

As a woman officer, I got many opportunities to interact
with the local population and gain valuable field exposure.
I started receiving positive vibes from this force. I feel
proud to wear the uniform and represent many women
who aspire to be a part of CRPF. I say this especially for the
women who openly expressed their admiration for my
duty and uniform. Children, in particular, used to greet us SI/ GD(M) Anjali
with loud cheers and joyful faces. I felt honored to put 88(M) BN Dwarka
forth the image of a uniformed woman officer.

MY FIRST LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE
Being a woman in CRPF is challenging, yet empowering.