Who Is IPS Kamble Sharan Gopinath? Rajasthan Cadre Officer Awarded DGP Disc for Anti-Drug Campaign
In a remarkable recognition of service, IPS Kamble Sharan Gopinath (2021 batch, Rajasthan cadre), currently serving as Additional SP (Headquarters) in Alwar, has been honoured with the prestigious DGP Disc on the occasion of Republic Day. The award was presented by H.G. Raghavendra Suhas, Additional Director General of Police, Jaipur Range, in acknowledgment of Kamble’s outstanding contribution to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Recognition for De-Addiction and Anti-Narcotics Initiatives
Kamble earned the honour for his impactful work while serving as ACP in Sanchore, a border subdivision of Jalore district adjoining Gujarat. During his tenure, he spearheaded a comprehensive de-addiction campaign, blending strict law enforcement with community awareness programmes.
His initiatives included:
Special police operations targeting organised narcotics networks.
Arrests of drug traffickers and dismantling of supply chains.
Campaigns discouraging the social custom of offering opium and poppy pods at weddings and community gatherings, a practice prevalent in some regions.
This dual approach—combining enforcement with social awareness—earned him appreciation from senior officials and widespread respect among local communities.
IPS Officer from Rajasthan Cadre
Originally hailing from Maharashtra, Kamble belongs to the 2021 batch of the Indian Police Service. He has served in both Sanchore and Alwar, where his work against drug trafficking and MD (methamphetamine) gangs has been particularly noted.
Inspiring Journey from Rural Poverty to Civil Services
Kamble’s rise to the IPS is widely regarded as inspirational.
Early Life and Family Background
Date of Birth: September 30, 1993
Birthplace: Tadwale village, Solapur district, Maharashtra
Father: Gopinath Kamble, a daily wage labourer
Mother: Sudamati, a vegetable vendor
Growing up in poverty, Kamble lived in a house without electricity and studied under a lantern. For higher secondary education, he walked 12 kilometres daily to attend school in a neighbouring village.
Academic Achievements
Schooling: Government school in Tadwale up to Class 10
Graduation: B.Tech from Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli
Post-Graduation: M.Tech from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
Despite securing a lucrative corporate job offer worth ₹20 lakh per annum after his M.Tech, Kamble chose to pursue his dream of joining the civil services.
Multiple UPSC Successes
Kamble’s journey reflects perseverance and determination:
CAPF 2019: AIR 8 – Joined as Assistant Commandant in CISF
CSE 2020: AIR 542 – Selected for IPS
CSE 2021: AIR 127 – Qualified for Indian Foreign Service (IFS), but opted to remain in IPS to continue his work in law enforcement
Officer with Diverse Interests
Beyond policing, Kamble is also an endurance athlete. He successfully completed the Bergman Triathlon (113 km), showcasing discipline and resilience that extend beyond his professional responsibilities.
DGP Disc: Recognition of Dedication and Social Impact
The DGP Disc awarded to IPS Kamble Sharan Gopinath is a testament to his dedication to public service, commitment to social reform, and effective policing. His work against narcotics and his efforts to challenge harmful social practices have left a lasting impact in Rajasthan’s border regions, making him one of the most promising young officers in the Indian Police Service.
