Harjeet Singh was born in 1984 in the bustling town of Tarn Taran, Punjab, where the echoes of history and the pulse of daily life shaped his early years. Growing up in a farming family, Harjeet learned the value of hard work from watching his parents tend to their fields with care and grit. His mother, a village storyteller, filled his evenings with tales of Punjab’s heroes, planting in him a quiet dream to serve his people. That dream would carry him from the dusty lanes of Tarn Taran to the forefront of the Indian Police Service, where he’s become a symbol of integrity and heart.
Early Life and Education
Harjeet’s childhood was a blend of simplicity and ambition. At Tarn Taran’s Guru Arjan Dev Public School, he was a standout topping exams, leading the hockey team, and organizing food drives for local families. His teachers saw a spark in him, a boy who asked big questions about fairness and justice. After high school, he enrolled at Khalsa College in Amritsar, earning a degree in Political Science in 2005. The subject captivated him, offering a lens into the systems that shaped society. A brief stint as a volunteer with a local NGO, working with at-risk youth, cemented his resolve to join the IPS. In 2010, after relentless preparation, he cleared the UPSC exam, joining the Punjab cadre as a 27-year-old ready to make a mark.
A Career Forged in Fire
Harjeet’s first posting as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Batala was a trial by fire. The border district had its share of challenges smuggling, gang rivalries, and simmering tensions. Harjeet dove in, leading late-night raids with a cool head and earning the nickname “Hawk” for his sharp instincts. But he wasn’t just about arrests; he spent hours meeting families affected by crime, promising them safety and following through.
By 2014, Harjeet was Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Mansa, a district grappling with farmer distress and drug abuse. He took a bold stand against the drug trade, coordinating with health workers to open rehab centers while his teams shut down supply lines. His “Fields of Hope” campaign, which encouraged farmers to report suspicious activity without fear, led to dozens of busts and a wave of community trust. Locals still talk about the time he walked into a village meeting, sat on the ground with elders, and listened for hours it wasn’t just policing; it was partnership.
Harjeet’s career path wound through Kapurthala, Fazilka, and Pathankot, where he served as SSP with distinction. In Pathankot, post the 2016 airbase attack, he strengthened security protocols and rebuilt public confidence with town halls that drew hundreds. His ability to stay calm under pressure caught the eye of his superiors, and in 2022, he was promoted to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Border Range, overseeing Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. By 2025, he’d taken on the Faridkot Range, a role he holds today, tackling everything from cross-border crime to rural disputes with his signature blend of strategy and empathy.
A Heart for the People
Harjeet’s work goes beyond the call of duty. In Mansa, he started “Aman Ki Asha,” a program to train women in self-defense and provide vocational skills to survivors of violence. In Fazilka, he turned abandoned lots into playgrounds, giving kids a safe space to dream. His mobile app for farmers, launched in 2023, lets them report crop theft or extortion anonymously, a game-changer in rural Punjab. He’s also a vocal advocate for mental health support for his officers, pushing for counseling programs to ease the strain of the badge.
Personal Life
Off duty, Harjeet is a man of simple joys. He’s married to Navjot Kaur, a pediatrician who runs a free clinic for underserved kids. They met at a college debate and bonded over their shared love for Punjab’s folk music. Their son, Zorawar, is Harjeet’s biggest cheerleader, often tagging along to community events. Harjeet unwinds with early morning runs, a habit he picked up in training, and has a soft spot for cooking his aloo parathas are a hit at family gatherings.
A Legacy of LightAt 41, Harjeet Singh stands tall as a cop who doesn’t just fight crime but fights for hope. From Tarn Taran’s fields to Punjab’s toughest beats, he’s shown that true strength lies in lifting others up. Whether he’s chasing leads or coaching a village kid in hockey, Harjeet’s mission is clear: make Punjab a place where justice isn’t just served it’s felt. His story’s still being written, and it’s one worth rooting for.