Manjari Jaruhar : Who Dare to Be Different Make the Path Easier for Others
she took charge of her life and, through sheer hard work, became Bihar’s first and India’s fifth woman IPS officer, as well as the state’s first female police officer.
she took charge of her life and, through sheer hard work, became Bihar’s first and India’s fifth woman IPS officer, as well as the state’s first female police officer.
Manjari Jaruhar: The story of IPS officer Manjari Jaruhar is truly inspiring. She graced the Awardescent event and was honored with the Fearless Warrior Icon Award for her fearless and exemplary work. Her journey serves as a role model for millions of women who are forced to compromise on their dreams due to societal and familial constraints.
Manjari hails from Bihar, where her family included several IAS and IPS officers. However, the focus at home was less on her education and more on preparing her to be a “good homemaker.” Despite societal expectations, she aspired to achieve something meaningful in life. After marriage, she found no support from her in-laws, but Manjari was not one to give up. Following her divorce, she took charge of her life and, through sheer hard work, became Bihar’s first and India’s fifth woman IPS officer, as well as the state’s first female police officer.
Manjari joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1975 when very few women were in the force, making her entry itself a significant challenge. She recalled that after her selection, she was kept on hold for a long time because she was the only woman to have qualified for the IPS that year. While her batchmates were posted across different locations, she was initially given a desk job—something she never wanted. Determined to work in the field, she persevered and eventually succeeded, setting an example for countless women.
Throughout her career, Manjari handled several critical cases, including the infamous Bhagalpur blindings case, with remarkable efficiency. She proved that no obstacle is too big if one’s resolve is strong. Her journey inspires every girl who dreams of breaking societal norms and carving her own identity.
Today, Manjari serves as a consultant at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in New Delhi. She is also the Chief Coordinator of the Indian Music Industry (IMI) and recently became the Chairperson of FICCI’s Private Security Committee.
In an interview with Grihshobha, when asked about her greatest achievement for women, she emphasized balancing career and family. She believes that when women maintain this balance, life becomes easier. From a career perspective, she says, “Sky is the limit.” With opportunities available in every field today, all it takes is determination and commitment.
Manjari has been honored with:
Her journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of self-belief—an inspiration for every woman who dares to dream.