Darpan Ahluwalia is a name that embodies dedication, resilience, and an unyielding passion for public service. A doctor by training, she traded her stethoscope for the khaki uniform of the Indian Police Service (IPS), carving a path that’s as inspiring as it is unique. From the classrooms of a medical college to the challenging terrains of law enforcement in Punjab, her story is one of transformation and purpose.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Mohali, Punjab, Darpan grew up with a deep-rooted sense of responsibility toward her community. She pursued her MBBS at Government Medical College, Patiala, graduating in 2017 with not just a degree, but a vision to make a difference. Even before her medical career fully took off, she channeled her energy into social good. She founded an NGO focused on raising awareness about breast cancer a cause she held dear. Through her initiative, the Pink Link Campaign, she organized screening camps that brought essential health services to women across Punjab, proving her commitment to uplifting those around her.
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The Call to Serve Differently
Darpan’s journey took a pivotal turn when she decided to step beyond medicine. Her inspiration came from her grandfather, Narinder Singh, a former Punjab Police officer who retired as District Attorney and Chief Law Instructor. “It was through him that I got my first exposure to the police,” she once shared. “I heard a lot from him about how the police can impact society, and I decided to become a police officer.” His stories planted a seed that grew stronger after she worked briefly at a government tertiary health care center. There, she realized that while medicine healed individuals, a role in law enforcement could transform entire communities.
With this clarity, Darpan set her sights on the UPSC Civil Services Examination one of India’s toughest tests. After her first attempt didn’t yield the result she hoped for, she doubled down, and in 2019, she cracked it on her second try, securing an All India Rank of 80. That success earned her a spot in the IPS, 2019 batch, Punjab cadre, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
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Shining at the National Police Academy
At the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, Darpan didn’t just train she excelled. She topped her batch, mastering both the indoor academic courses and the rigorous outdoor training. Her standout performance earned her the prestigious Martyr KS Vyas Trophy for Internal Security and Public Order and Field Craft and Tactics. But her crowning moment came when she was chosen to lead the Passing Out Parade a rare honor that made her only the sixth woman in the academy’s history to do so. It was a testament to her leadership, grit, and ability to break barriers in a field often seen as a man’s domain.
A Career in Service
After completing her training, Darpan returned to Punjab, ready to serve her home state. In 2023, she was appointed Superintendent of Police (SP) of Mansa district a role that thrust her into the thick of Punjab’s complex law and order landscape. Her background as a doctor and her experience with grassroots social work shape her approach to policing. She’s not just an enforcer of the law but a compassionate leader who understands the pulse of the people she serves. “With this new role, I will be more approachable to people, particularly women,” she has said, emphasizing her belief that the police are the first line of support in any crisis.
A Beacon of Inspiration
Darpan Ahluwalia’s journey is more than a career shift it’s a powerful narrative of purpose and perseverance. She’s a role model for young women dreaming of breaking into the civil services, showing that determination and a heart for service can overcome any obstacle. Whether it’s through her work as a doctor, her advocacy for breast cancer awareness, or her leadership as an IPS officer, Darpan proves that true impact comes from daring to serve in unexpected ways.
Her story resonates far beyond Punjab, inspiring countless others to chase their own dreams of making a difference. Darpan isn’t just an IPS officer she’s a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
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