The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) will witness a significant moment on Friday as 207 officers, including 58 women and 19 foreign nationals, participate in the 76th passing out parade. The event celebrates the completion of their rigorous training, marking the beginning of their careers in law enforcement.
Among the graduating officers, many have shown exceptional skills and commitment, receiving recognition in various areas of proficiency. The diversity of this batch, with officers from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, and the Maldives, highlights the academy’s growing international reputation.
Women Officers Leading the Charge
In this batch, almost one in four graduates are women, signaling a positive shift in gender representation within law enforcement. Joint Director of the Academy, Amit Garg, outlined the significance of the training received by these probationary officers, stating, “The training has evolved to focus on both material and practical aspects, with specific attention to contemporary issues like cybercrime, internal security challenges, and the implementation of new criminal laws.”
The comprehensive training program also included modules on drone operations, drug trafficking, cryptocurrency, financial fraud, and AI’s role in modern policing, reflecting the rapidly changing landscape of crime and law enforcement.
Outstanding Achievements by Graduates
The ceremony will honor several standout officers for their achievements. Among them is Kerala native Achyuth Ashok, the 76th RR batch topper. Ashok, a former software professional, left his tech career to pursue his passion for law enforcement. Having excelled in police science at the National Forensic Science University, he shared his ambition: “Given my knowledge in software and the cyber security skills I gained at the academy, I want to contribute more to the cybercrime wing.”
Another graduate, Sai Kiran Pathipaka, who comes from an agricultural family, followed a similar path of career change. After completing a postgraduate degree at IIM Kozhikode and working in sales and marketing, he turned his focus to the UPSC exams. “It took me three attempts to crack the UPSC, and I have a particular interest in the technicalities of investigations under the new Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS),” said Pathipaka, who plans to further his expertise in cyber security.
Manan Bhat, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, will be joining the Telangana cadre. Reflecting on his journey, he noted how the COVID-19 pandemic provided the break he needed to prepare for the competitive exams. “I have always been passionate about making a tangible difference in society. The IPS offers a unique opportunity to contribute on this front,” Bhat said. He also emphasized the growing challenge of adapting to technological advancements in crime and law enforcement, particularly in cyber security, which he sees as a critical focus for his future work.
International and Diverse Representation
The inclusion of foreign officers in the training program underscores the SVPNPA’s role as a center for excellence not only in India but internationally. The officers from Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, and the Maldives underwent the same rigorous training, sharing expertise and building networks that will enhance cross-border collaboration in addressing global security challenges.
The academy has trained 6,379 officers to date, a number that includes both domestic and foreign officers. This year’s intake also saw a noticeable rise in officers with backgrounds in medicine and engineering, a testament to the diverse skills now entering the Indian Police Service.
Looking Ahead
As these officers step into their new roles, they are tasked with upholding the law in a rapidly evolving world. With a focus on cyber security, new criminal laws, and emerging technologies, this batch of graduates is well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern policing.
The graduating ceremony, which promises to be a momentous occasion for these officers and their families, marks not just the end of their training, but the beginning of their mission to serve and protect with distinction in an increasingly complex world.