In a stirring display of discipline, resilience, and progress, the Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur hosted a memorable passing out parade on a rain-soaked Monday morning. The event marked the formal induction of 144 newly trained women police constables into the state’s law enforcement framework—a moment that symbolized much more than just the end of their training. It was a clear and powerful message: Kerala is deeply committed to women’s empowerment in its armed forces.
Marching Forward, Despite the Rain
Under dark, rainy skies, the women constables marched with precision and pride on the parade grounds of the academy, undeterred by the weather. Their determination reflected the very values they had been trained to uphold—resilience, duty, and courage. Watching them was Kerala’s Chief Minister, who took the salute with evident pride and delivered an address that underscored the government’s commitment to increasing women’s presence in policing.
“This government places the highest priority on preventing violence against women and children,” he said. “From the very beginning of our administration, we have worked consistently to raise women’s participation in the police force. The formation of the Women Armed Police Battalion in 2017 was a landmark in this journey, and today’s event is part of that continuing mission.”
Not Just Officers, But Educated Leaders
What makes this batch of women police constables especially remarkable is the diversity and quality of their educational backgrounds. These are not just young women entering the force—they are scholars, leaders, and professionals who have chosen to serve society.
Breakdown of the 144 cadets:
40 postgraduates 2 MBA degree holders 78 with bachelor’s degrees 13 B.Tech engineers 7 with B.Ed degrees (education specialists) 3 with higher secondary qualifications 1 diploma holder
This academic spread is proof of a changing mindset in Kerala’s younger generation. The police service is no longer seen as a job of last resort—it is a respected career path for ambitious and educated women who want to create impact and ensure public safety.
Command and Leadership on Display
Leading the parade was P.K. Geethu, a cadet from Vellayani in Thiruvananthapuram, who served as Parade Commander. Her second-in-command, U.V. Anooja from Vattiyoorkavu, also earned accolades for her role. These two officers, along with others who received awards from the Chief Minister for outstanding performance, represent the next generation of leadership within the state police.
The ceremony was graced by some of Kerala’s top-ranking law enforcement officials:
State Police Chief Shaikh Darvesh Sahib ADGP of Armed Police Battalions M.R. Ajith Kumar Women’s Battalion Commandant-in-Charge K.S. Shahansha Kerala Police Academy Director K. Sethuraman
Their presence highlighted the institutional strength and backing these new officers will enjoy as they embark on their careers.
Training for the Modern World
The Chief Minister took a moment to stress the importance of modern and continuous training in today’s policing landscape. “As science and technology evolve rapidly, our officers must also stay informed and agile. The nine-month training these women have just completed has prepared them not only physically, but mentally and intellectually to handle real-world challenges,” he said.
He added that the police are no longer just crime fighters. “Today’s officers must work across all areas of society—from cybercrime to domestic issues, from road safety to crisis response. The role of a police officer is now deeply integrated with the fabric of our daily lives.”
A Long-Term Vision for Gender-Inclusive Policing
The government’s initiative is not just about numbers. It’s about changing the gender dynamics of policing—a field that, for decades, has been male-dominated. With more women in uniform, particularly in leadership and field roles, the police force becomes more empathetic, balanced, and effective, especially in dealing with issues related to women and children.
The formation of the Women Armed Police Battalion in 2017 laid the foundation, and each batch that follows becomes a brick in the structure of a more inclusive force.
Inspiration Beyond the Uniform
For young girls across Kerala—and India—this parade was more than a formal event. It was a moment of representation. It showed that with dedication and the right support, women can take up roles that were once out of reach.
It also signaled to families, communities, and institutions that the era of women in uniform is not coming—it’s already here.
From engineers to teachers, from postgraduates to fresh diploma holders, these 144 constables represent the emerging face of Indian policing—smart, compassionate, disciplined, and determined.
The rains may have fallen heavily in Thrissur that day, but on the parade grounds of the Kerala Police Academy, the future marched on—steady, proud, and in step with progress.
