Madhya Pradesh-cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Anu Beniwal has resumed her professional duties after completing ten weeks of maternity leave. Sharing heartwarming photographs with her newborn daughter, the officer reflected on her journey through motherhood, the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, and the strength she has gained from becoming a mother.
In a social media post, Beniwal expressed gratitude towards her baby girl while describing the physical and emotional changes she experienced following childbirth.
“Joined back my service with my baby girl after taking ten weeks of maternity leave, after spending a lot of sleepless nights and after shedding 14 kgs of weight!” she wrote.
“Incredibly grateful and thankful to my little bundle of joy for making me feel so deeply loved and strong!” she added.
Her return to duty marks another significant chapter in a journey defined by perseverance, determination and dedication to public service.
Anu Beniwal’s journey to becoming an IPS officer was far from easy. She faced personal and financial challenges while preparing for the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination.
Despite failing to secure selection in her first two attempts, she refused to abandon her ambition of joining the civil services.
Her persistence eventually paid off when she secured All India Rank (AIR) 638 in her third UPSC attempt. However, determined to achieve her dream of becoming an IPS officer, Beniwal continued her preparation and appeared for the examination once again.
In her subsequent attempt, she significantly improved her performance, securing AIR 217 and earning a place in the Indian Police Service. She was subsequently allotted the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Her journey from repeated examination setbacks to joining one of India’s most prestigious civil services reflects the importance of resilience, consistent effort and determination.
Now, as she returns to duty as a new mother, Beniwal’s story highlights another dimension of the challenges faced by women serving in demanding professions such as policing.
Her experience reflects the physical and emotional demands of motherhood alongside the responsibilities associated with public service.
By openly sharing her experiences of sleepless nights, postpartum changes and the joy of raising her daughter, the IPS officer has offered a personal glimpse into an important transition in her life.
Her story serves as an inspiring example for civil services aspirants, particularly women who aspire to pursue demanding professional careers while embracing motherhood and family responsibilities.
