"It was a very memorable moment for me," said Tupe, who hails from the Kamkheda village in Beed, and belongs to a family of meagre means. The youngest among four girls and one boy, Tupe used to help her father in farming, and supported the family for seven years.
History was marked on Wednesday when Meena Tupe bagged the Sword of Honour for being Maharashtra Police Academy's (MPA) best cadet this year. As many as 503 men and 246 women had competed for the honour, which was bestowed upon a woman for the first time. Moreover, 7 out of 10 awards were bagged by women cadets during the passing out parade (POP) of the 113th batch of sub-inspectors at the academy in Nashik.
In addition, Tupe also received the Ahillyabai Holkar award for being the best among women cadets and Yashwantrao Chavan Gold Cup for being the best all-round cadet of the batch. The proud moment was witnessed by presiding officers at the academy, Tupe's batchmates, parents and brother, and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was the chief guest on the occasion.
"It was a very memorable moment for me," said Tupe, who hails from the Kamkheda village in Beed, and belongs to a family of meagre means. The youngest among four girls and one boy, Tupe used to help her father in farming, and supported the family for seven years.
She completed her BA and DEd and topped in both courses. She then joined the Maharashtra Police as lady sepoy in 2010, and then went on to become a constable after completing her training at the Khandala institute. Here, too, she was judged the best cadet.
In 2013, Tupe passed the MPSC exam and stood second among women. She then underwent a rigorous, technical, physical and mental training at MPA.
"When I came to MPA, I decided to bag a prize. I worked hard and I was confidant that I will get the prize for being the best cadet among women. But the award for being the best in the entire batch was a motivating surprise. I have never looked down upon myself for being a woman. The women at the academy underwent the same training as the men, and performed equally. There is no reason why we should feel any lesser," she said.
Now, with a new posting as PSI in Aurangabad (rural), Tupe is prepared to take on the responsibility and challenges of her job. "I am ready to work anywhere. I would like to focus on the issues of women security. I would also like to contribute to change the image of police," she said.
While addressing the cadet officers, Fadnavis mentioned Tupe and said, "Meena Tupe is an example of women empowerment. It is important that women march ahead and work in the mainstream and at important positions. This would be women empowerment in true sense. Then we can call ourselves a progressing society."
The CM also launched e-learning modules for the police and called for proactive steps and updating of knowledge to deal with cyber crimes and economic offenses. Developed by MPA, the learning modules are credit points-based, and will be linked to the promotion and increment of the force members.
Earlier in the day, 749 cadets led by parade commander Tupe marched to the tune of the police band. The impressive ceremony was marked by the flawless march and perfect synchronisation.
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