Shattering Stereotypes: Usha Kiran’s remarkable journey as a CRPF officer

A beacon of strength who has defied all expectations is none other than Usha Kiran, who stood with utmost strength as the Youngest Female CRPF Officer amongst the all-male COBRA bastion.

When one thinks of anti-Naxal commandos, one imagines heavily armed men in camouflaged uniforms. But this woman is no less than any man in the elite security forces. Her passion and utter determination push her forward every day to greater heights. Let us discover her side of the story as to why she voluntarily requested to be a part of the security guarding hostile areas.

Tracing her roots

Usha Kiran comes from a family of army officers residing in Gurgaon. Both her father and grandfather describe her upbringing as marked by a strong sense of determination and patriotism. Since her school years, Usha has been very interested in all kinds of sports events. Her genuine interest and dedication led her to become a national athlete, representing Delhi in the triple jump event many times.

However, after high school, Usha got serious about her future. Inspired by her family history, she had aspired to join the armed forces since childhood, and fortunately, her determination paved the way for her admission to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) academy, which provided the best but most vigorous training overall.

Breaking barriers

Building blocks

With the motive to join the battalion and banish illegal activities by rescuing the innocents from the Maoist dread and terrorism.

Her first training in 2013 led her to join the ‘232 Mahila Battalion‘. After completing her training, she was given two locations to choose from to become an officer. Between the regions of Jammu & Kashmir and the northeast of India, she was finally given Chhattisgarh district, Bastar, where Maoist activities prevail.

Ahead with a mission

Operation Prahar is a police mission intended to eliminate prevailing illegal activities like liquor sales, high rates of crime, and other contributions to unlawful elements in many parts. The act is against the Naxal groups in northwestern states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

To follow up a challenging mission like Operation Prahar, which has been going on for years, is only dreamed of by people who dare to do anything for their country. Keeping aside the patriotic sentiments, any ordinary citizen would not have enough courage to think about this, let alone willingly volunteer to be a part of the male CoBRA team, but there is a first time for everything, and Usha indeed had the luck and earned the position rightfully.

A unique vision

While any other woman would choose to stay in the Mahila Battalion, Usha considered joining the Male Battalion, COBRA, instead. COBRA, or Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, is a special jungle warfare force within the CRPF that is naturally experienced in guerrilla tactics.

After being skilfully tested by her seniors, she happily joined the COBRA and made history as the first female officer amongst the male battalion. Usha’s tasks primarily include pacification, anti-Naxal raids, law enforcement in rural areas, etc.

Usha knew what she was getting into as CoBRA is a special commando force with the duty to maintain internal security, and to be able to work with another CoBRA commando is luck itself. However, you must match their level of physical fitness as well, and you cannot afford to ask for extra minutes or even seconds to finish your run just because you are a woman.

The woman of steel

At just 27, Usha has won the nation’s hearts by achieving this hard-earned position. The Bastar region is infamous for its dense forests and dangerous lifestyle, making it a challenging posting in the CRPF. Despite the harsh environment and unladylike scenarios, Usha continues to embrace her role wholeheartedly.

Leadership and Impact

As Usha joined the team, the citizens started fearing the forces far less, and they hesitated in front of the male cops. Due to her presence, she regained their trust, and as a woman, she now represents the whole tribal community of Bastar.

Her leadership and strategic abilities know no bounds as she has not only contributed to significant successes in these missions but has also boosted the morale of her troops.

Not just a cop

Amongst all her qualities, her name rings quite a powerful tune in any other woman’s ears as her revolutionary step as a CRPF officer has changed multiple dynamics across the nation and, most importantly, proved there is no skill that a woman cannot achieve and be undeserving of any career if she puts her mind to it. She actively corroborates the inclusivity and diversity of women in combat roles and emphasizes the importance of physical and mental peace. Unlike using her female privileges, even during off-duty hours, Usha does not rest. With the passion of a leader, she teaches the girls at school and tries to understand the difficulties of the tribes.

Recognition

Awards and accolades

Usha’s recognitions know no limit as she has earned and rightfully marked her place in her seniors’ minds and, undoubtedly, in the nation’s hearts.

She is also the first woman to walk the ramp along with other celebrities at ‘Vogue Woman of the Year‘ and accept the Young Achievers award for her exemplary work. While everyone else played glitz and glam in their designer gowns, Usha confidently welcomed the red carpet in her uniform. Her pictures in uniform automatically invoke a sense of pride toward the men and women who work tirelessly to defend the country.

She wholeheartedly dedicated the award to all the female soldiers who serve the country with full responsibility and make their families and the nation proud.

Future aspirations

Looking ahead, Usha Kiran aims to continue her service with the same determination and hopes to inspire a new generation of female officers to join India’s security forces and serve the nation with utmost pride. Her revolutionary initiative is a kickstart for anyone to join and lend a helping hand in the name of humanity, especially women, as many stereotypes and patriarchy still rule out liberty for women to take up an opportunity, specifically in India.

Conclusion

Usha Kiran’s story is nothing more than a tale of achievements and a proud statement for other dreamers and aspirants to be inspired by. Inducting a woman into CoBRA is no cakewalk, but Usha went in with a vision and has heard no complaints about her since then. In fact, she has gained immense respect and support from her seniors and peers. Besides, her failure or success would shape the future of women in combat roles, and she did not want to give people a chance to say that this commando role was not a woman’s cup of tea.