Madam Sir: The Story of Bihar’s First Woman IPS Officer

by Manjari Jaruhar

After an unexpected turn of events upended the homemaker role her parents had planned for her, Manjari Jaruhar overcame extraordinary odds to become the first woman from Bihar to join the country's elite police cadre.
A masterclass in courage, resilience and leadership by a woman who broke new ground and thrived despite being viewed with disbelief and derision by her colleagues, Madam Sir is a stirring account of a sheltered girl's rise to the top echelons of the Indian Police Service.
Set against the backdrop of significant events such as the Bhagalpur blindings, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Lalu Prasad's reign in Bihar, Madam Sir looks at the IPS from the inside, through a woman's eyes.
This is a story that will inspire you to pursue your dreams and infuse you with the spirit to reach impossible heights.

Genres: Nonfiction

327 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2022

Reviews

[Nikhil · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Madam-Sir” - an apt salutation and title of the autobiography of Bihar’s first woman IPS officer making her mark in an extremely hierarchical and male-dominated police force.

The tone for the story is set right up front when Manjari, a newly minted IPS officer, is told by her IG that he has no idea what to do with a female IPS officer in Bihar. Manjari is disappointed but not broken by this reception, as she has already dealt with enough surprises (not always the pleasant kinds) in her early years. She takes this reception in her stride and starts her march to a 34-year long career, spanning states and organisations in which she impacts the lives of not just the lakhs of people in cities like Bokaro and Patna, but also generations of IPS, CISF and CRPF personnel through her roles as an educator and administrator.

The book is set chronologically where initially, the author takes the reader through her formative years in a family that was loving, and conservative yet progressive, something which seems to contribute to the core of the person she becomes as an adult. The story then moves on to the author’s initial years as a woman IPS officer, as she sets about the business of making a reputation for herself, irrespective of gender. From an administrator, Manjari moves in with relative ease into the role of an institution-builder, and one sees her passion for creation come out through her work at the National Police Academy, the CISF or the newly-created Jharkhand state.

As a pioneer, Manjari recognises that she has a responsibility that extends way beyond her job description. Throughout, she shows an extreme commitment to pave the way for countless other women (in and outside the services) whose lives cross paths with hers. Through a mix of teaching, counsel and assistance, she helps many other women deal with their individual circumstances and establish their own independent personas.

One cannot but marvel as Manjari assumes a diverse set of roles, often simultaneously. Her sense of service, commitment and empathy come through as she strives to do justice to each of these roles, to the best of her ability, and feels disappointed at each of her failures. At the same time, through intermittent peeks into her personal, emotional journey (outside of the uniform), one recognises the personal sacrifices that she is forced to make in a life where the job almost always comes first.

Unfortunately, the emotional aspect of the journey, is something the book does not do enough justice to. Given the rather matter-of-fact writing style, possibly like a police FIR or fact-based-report, the emotional aspects make an appearance only to complete the story than to immerse the reader into the emotional upheavals the protagonist goes through both in her work and in her personal life.

Other than that caveat, an honest, meticulous, inspiring and easy read.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madam Sir: The Story of Bihar’s First Woman IPS Officer (Paperback) by Manjari Jaruhar- Autobiography- This book is the autobiography of Manjari Jaruhar, Bihar’s first woman IPS officer making her mark in an extremely hierarchical and male-dominated police force. Author narrates that the IG Police told her that he has no idea what to do with a female IPS officer in Bihar. Manjari is disappointed but not broken by this reception, as she has already dealt with enough surprises (not always the pleasant kinds) in her early years. She takes this reception in her stride and starts her march to a 34-year long career, spanning states and organisations in which she impacts the lives of not just the lakhs of people in cities like Bokaro and Patna, but also generations of IPS, CISF and CRPF personnel through her roles as an educator and administrator. The book is set chronologically where initially, the author takes the reader through her formative years in a family that was loving, and conservative yet progressive, something which seems to contribute to the core of the person she becomes as an adult. The story then moves on to the author’s initial years as a woman IPS officer, as she sets about the business of making a reputation for herself, irrespective of gender. From an administrator, Manjari moves in with relative ease into the role of an institution-builder, and one sees her passion for creation come out through her work at the National Police Academy, the CISF or the newly-created Jharkhand state. As a pioneer, Manjari recognises that she has a responsibility that extends way beyond her job description. Throughout, she shows an extreme commitment to pave the way for countless other women (in and outside the services) whose lives cross paths with hers. Through a mix of teaching, counsel and assistance, she helps many other women deal with their individual circumstances and establish their own independent personas. One cannot but marvel as Manjari assumes a diverse set of roles, often simultaneously. Her sense of service, commitment and empathy come through as she strives to do justice to each of these roles, to the best of her ability, and feels disappointed at each of her failures. At the same time, through intermittent peeks into her personal, emotional journey (outside of the uniform), one recognises the personal sacrifices that she is forced to make in a life where the job almost always comes first. Unfortunately, the emotional aspect of the journey, is something the book does not do enough justice to. Given the rather matter-of-fact writing style, possibly like a police FIR or fact-based-report, the emotional aspects make an appearance only to complete the story than to immerse the reader into the emotional upheavals the protagonist goes through both in her work and in her personal life. The book is inspiring for all young men and women. It is a good read book for readers of all age groups.

[Rupesh Ghode · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of (as mentioned in subject) Bihar’s first Lady IPS officer manjuri jarohar. It is well written novel as majiri mams comes from the rich literatures family its shown in her writings. In this novel author unfolds her memories from her childhoods, upbringings, family, education, training days, cases she handled & his other role as mother. Though she has a legacy of literatures, political influencers & bureaucrats its not easy to crack IPS in second attempt & be a IPS officer at that time (Batch 1975 or 1976) hardly 4 or 5 women were in service including the first IPS officer Kiran bedi. After having tragedy of his first unsuccessful marriage, she doesn’t drop the hope. As a first lady IPS in bihar where it was male dominant ,story narrates how she manages to overcome that image & left a mark on bihar. It sounds very normal now but looking at the condition of bihar at that time it was tough. You can predict it by looking at her first day at duty where her senior had no idea what role should be given to her & he had requested Kiran bedi’s file from Delhi to study. This is really an inspiring story, it tells you to pursue your dreams even under what the conditions are. It is wonderful to read, somewhere you laugh, somewhere it left you stunned by hearing the reality of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, all those memories are very well recorded by manjeri mam. I must recommend this book for all. She was a real super Woman managing her professional & personal life & offering justice to both life's.

[Pooja Holkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manjari mam's story is inspiring and swoon-worthy. I always say it's a lot on your upbringing that the person turns out to be the way they do. Mam's childhood being spent around literary folks like ramdhari dinkar, Mahadevi Verma, and many such intellectual stalwarts gave her intellectual maturity at a very young age. The strides she has taken in her bureaucracy career speak volumes about her passion and grit toward the service. Some places you associate too much because of friends and acquaintances, Bihar is that place for me. A funny excuse of her constable on asking for leave 'Death Kar Gaye' was so heard of even when I was in college, left me in splits :d. All in all the book is written very truthfully, love a woman in the 70s era standing firm on her decisions and is respected for what she brought to the table.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Madam Sir" is the autobiographical account of Manjari Jaruhar, first woman IPS officer of the Indian State Bihar. The author goes over her 34 year long career in the Police Service.
I really appreciate the refreshing candour the author depicts while talking about the issues faced by the police officers, also how the police is perceived by the citizens in India.
However, at certain times the book seemingly appears preachy.
Overall, this is a book I'd highly recommend my mom and honestly, any middle-aged Indian to read.

[Chaitali Narla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasant kind of surprise

I picked this book thinking I'd read more about the bureaucracy and scandals that I grew up associating most Indian government services with. It was a pleasant surprise that I learned so much from the courageous journey of one woman! Even more surprising was how many parallels there were to my corporate job today and Manjariji's jobs in the police force in India. I closed this book with a new appreciation for the complexities of law enforcement!

[Vishaal Db · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being a sucker for compelling narratives, I didn't enjoy this book. It read more like a journal of events than a story. There were brief moments when one feels for the victims of gruesome crimes or when learnt something new about our country but all in all I found myself skimming through the pages. Extreme care has been taken to include names of pertinent government officials which I suspect has been done by the author to maintain protocol but this interferes with the readability of the book

[Nidhi Kapoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. It offered a glimpse into how life was for the early pioneers of women in our services. I also liked how in sharing her experiences, we got a ringside view into the history and political landscape of Bihar in those years. Very inspiring and relatable story and a easy to read, well written book.

[Parwati Singari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dive into the captivating world of "Madam Sir," where Manjari Jaruhar, an unfettered spirit, takes you on her incredible journey from a traditional Indian girl to a trailblazing IPS officer. With grace and determination, she defies norms, breaks barriers, and leaves an indelible mark on generations. 🌟 #UnfetteredJourneys

[Loes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Belangrijk verhaal om te vertellen, over het leven van de eerste vrouw in een hoge politiefunctie in India! De manier waarop vond ik lastig: weinig nuance (autobiograaf doet alles goed en briljant) en ik miste emotie (vooral een feitelijke opsomming). Sorry😇.

[Shefali Saldanha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an inspiring woman. Although the second half dragged a bit, the last chapter was especially touching and telling of the type of woman Manjari is. Also highlights the importance of having a good support system. Many valuable lessons for women and men.

[Aparna Misra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely inspiring. A well written account of a life well lived.

[Debkanya Naskar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting journey - quick read

[Keerthi Sudha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book for every young lady, who wishes to have a complete life(both inside and outside of her home). Mam reinforces the fact that when in doubt always go by the rule book.

[Gary Chapkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read in hindi .know about ips life ,power ,rule and regulation .

[Arpita Chaudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madam Sir is a masterclass in courage and resilience.
The book follows the personal and professional journey of Bihar’s first woman IPS Officer, Manjari Jaruhar, offering an inspiring account of her groundbreaking career. It tells the story of a sheltered girl carved her own path in a male-dominated field.
The book offers a glimpse into key historical events from the perspective of an IPS officer and also talks about Manjari Jaruhar's days at the National Police Academy, where she trained probationary officers. It sheds light on the challenges faced by police personnel, including the heartbreaking loss of batchmates and trained officers who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Absolutely loved this one!