IPS Anukriti Sharma: The Officer Who Brought a Brighter Diwali to Sambhal’s Most Vulnerable
In an act of profound community kindness, IPS officer Anukriti Sharma and the Sambhal police force chose to mark the Diwali festival by bringing its joy to neglected and impoverished women. Their initiative served as a powerful demonstration of compassion in action, illuminating lives with hope and solidarity.
Bringing the Festival to the Forgotten
Instead of a conventional celebration, Anukriti Sharma, who serves as the Additional Superintendent of Police, directed her team to seek out those living in the community’s shadows. The goal was to ensure the festival’s light reached individuals often overlooked during times of public joy.
This effort was conducted under “Mission Shakti 05,” a program focused on women’s empowerment. The project has drawn significant praise online, with many commending it as a model of empathetic and community-oriented policing.
A Personal Touch of Compassion
The mission began when Constable Virendra identified three women facing severe hardship: Maya Devi, the widow Rajwati, and Kiran Devi. Upon learning of their situations, Ms. Sharma personally led her team to their homes.
They delivered not just material support—such as sweets, food, and essential supplies—but also a spirit of fellowship, transforming the women’s difficult circumstances into a moment of shared celebration and dignity.
In a particularly moving display of respect, Ms. Sharma and her team humbly sought blessings from the elderly women by touching their feet. This gesture, deeply rooted in Indian tradition, powerfully contrasted with the frequent societal neglect of the elderly.
The team also visited the Kanshi Ram Awas, where they celebrated with children from disadvantaged backgrounds. They distributed sweets and fireworks, and shared the symbolic story of Lord Rama’s return, reinforcing the festival’s message of light triumphing over darkness.
Driven by a Sense of Duty
Reflecting on the initiative, Ms. Sharma stated, “Our work with Mission Shakti 05 led us to women enduring extreme poverty and isolation. We believed it was our responsibility to ensure they could experience the genuine spirit of Diwali. With the dedication of officers like Mr. Narendra, we worked to make sure no one was forgotten this festival.”
This work is part of a larger policing philosophy in Uttar Pradesh that emphasizes building trust and social harmony within communities.
From a Scientific Mind to a Service Heart
Ms. Anukriti Sharma, a 2020-batch IPS officer, brings a unique background to her role. Hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan, she first excelled in science, qualifying for the IIT-JEE and studying at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Kolkata.
Her academic journey took her to Rice University in the United States for doctoral research on volcanoes. However, a strong calling toward public service led her to pursue the UPSC examinations. Her perseverance paid off, leading to her eventual entry into the Indian Police Service, where she has become known for her advocacy for gender equality and proactive community engagement.
A Legacy of Empathetic Leadership
Through this Diwali mission, Anukriti Sharma has established a new standard for what it means to serve and protect. Her actions demonstrate that effective governance is seamlessly blended with deep empathy, creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.
As her story inspires many online, it stands as a poignant reminder that the truest form of celebration is found in extending light and kindness to those who need it most.
