Kohima, October 6, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Nagaland IPS officer Pritpal Kaur, who currently serves as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Phek district, has earned international recognition by being selected for the prestigious ‘2024 IACP 40 Under 40’ award.
This honor is awarded by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), a highly regarded organization based in the United States. Kaur is the only recipient from India and is among 40 police officers from across the globe who were recognized for their exceptional leadership, commitment to law enforcement, and service to their communities.
Kaur, originally from Haryana, is a dentist (Gold Medalist) who later transitioned into the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 2016. IACP President Wade Carpenter, in a personal letter to Kaur, acknowledged her talent and dedication, noting that she exemplifies leadership and a deep commitment to the profession. Carpenter also commended her for being part of a highly accomplished and talented group of awardees.
The IACP has invited Pritpal Kaur to attend the 2024 IACP Annual Conference and Exposition in Boston, Massachusetts, where she will be presented with the award on October 22. The IACP’s 40 Under 40 award honors rising leaders in law enforcement who demonstrate excellence in leadership, dedication to their communities, and innovation in the field.
Pritpal Kaur’s career has been marked by a focus on education, conflict resolution, and community building. The IACP shared insights into her background, noting that Kaur had been passionate about helping people since childhood. Her early experiences as a school sports team captain and later as a doctor, where she participated in numerous police-community projects, solidified her desire to serve in law enforcement.
Kaur’s impact has been particularly significant in Nagaland, where she served as the first SP of a newly created border district. In this role, she helped bring peace and progress to the region by using her negotiation skills to prevent border clashes and resolve land disputes. She also played a crucial role in anti-drug efforts, offering treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation to those struggling with addiction, while also providing them with livelihood opportunities.
The IACP highlighted two of her most innovative projects: “Fighting Drugs with Education and Livelihood” and “Not Guns but Machines.” These programs empower communities by teaching them how to apply their skills in building machines like electric bicycles, dryers, and other low-cost equipment, offering sustainable alternatives to violence and crime.
Kaur credits her passion for education and service to her mother, who instilled in her the belief that education is not just for earning money but for teaching and helping others. She continues to uphold this philosophy by helping communities improve their livelihoods through education and skill development.
In addition to her IACP recognition, Pritpal Kaur has previously received several notable awards, including the International Inspiration Women Award 2023, the Skoch Gold Award 2023, the DGP Disc Award, the Women Power India Award 2023, and the Global Women Leader Award 2024 from the World Women Leadership Congress.
One of the most meaningful honors in her career came when she was granted a tribal name by the local communities she worked with in Nagaland. This acknowledgment reflects her deep connection and service to the people in the region. Currently, she serves as the SP in the Indo-Myanmar border district of Phek, where she continues her efforts to foster peace and development.
Kaur has expressed her admiration for the people of Nagaland, describing them as talented, self-sufficient, and rich in culture and traditions. She has worked to provide them with opportunities to polish their talents and skills, recognizing that they only lack opportunities in certain areas. She has taken up numerous social welfare initiatives in the districts where she has served, including free coaching classes, livelihood training for drug addicts, career guidance for students, and training in farming, biodiversity, and environmental protection.
Before her posting in Phek, Kaur served as the SP of Longleng district in Nagaland, where she undertook similar activities aimed at uplifting the local populace. Her initiatives also include the formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs), the promotion of education at all levels, and the encouragement of sports among the youth.
A senior Nagaland Police officer praised Kaur for her dedication not only to her official duties as a police officer but also to the social welfare of the people in the districts she has served.
Kaur has expressed her commitment to ensuring peace, progress, and order in society, which motivated her to choose a career in law enforcement. Despite the challenges, she continues to serve with passion and dedication, helping to build stronger and more resilient communities.
