Dedicated to bridging the gap between the police and the public, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker believes that true policing goes beyond law and order. Through community policing and awareness initiatives, he works to build a safer, more informed, and confident society.

Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker is currently posted in the Women Safety Branch of the Indore Police, where he, apart from his regular policing duties, also plays a significant role in community initiatives by the police.

Unlike conventional policing, his responsibilities extend beyond crime investigation and law enforcement. He regularly interacts with citizens, conducts awareness programmes, and works closely with schools, colleges, residential communities, and public institutions to educate people about legal rights, personal safety, cyber security, women empowerment, and crime prevention.

Throwing light on his present responsibilities, Sub-Inspector Thakker explains that community policing is one of the most progressive approaches to law enforcement. According to him, the objective is simple yet powerful: to prevent crime before it takes place. Rather than waiting for offences to occur, the focus is on creating awareness, educating citizens, and encouraging them to become responsible partners in maintaining law and order.

Further elaborating on this philosophy, SI Shivam Thakker shares that with rapid technological advancement and a continuously growing population, the nature of crime is also changing. Therefore, creating awareness has become as important as solving criminal cases. Through regular interaction with people, his team educates citizens about what is legally right and wrong, how to identify suspicious activities, and how timely reporting can prevent crimes.

Police SI Shivam Thakker believes that another important objective of community policing is to bridge the gap between the police and the public. He shares that many people still hesitate to approach the police because of fear or misconceptions. Through continuous interaction and public outreach, his team strives to reassure citizens that the police are their friends and are always ready to help them. During awareness programmes, they also educate people about various police helpline numbers and encourage them to seek assistance whenever required.

Speaking about the initiatives undertaken by the Women Safety Branch, Shivam Thakker shares that the department regularly conducts several awareness campaigns across Madhya Pradesh. One of its major initiatives is "Srijan – Nai Disha, Naya Gagan," a special programme designed for girls between the ages of 12 to 18 years. Through this initiative, young girls are educated about their legal rights, personal safety, career opportunities, self-confidence, and decision-making abilities so that they can become informed and empowered citizens.

Further explaining the programme, Sub-Inspector Thakker shares that the objective of ‘Srijan’ is not only to spread legal awareness but also to guide young girls towards building meaningful careers while helping them understand their rights and responsibilities. Through regular sessions, interactive discussions, and counselling, the programme encourages girls to recognise their potential and prepare confidently for the future.

Another significant initiative by the department is the "Police Didi" concept, under which women police personnel regularly visit schools and interact directly with girl students. Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker explains that during these visits, officers maintain detailed records of the students, including their educational background, family details, career aspirations, and personal challenges. This enables the department to provide better guidance and continuous support whenever required.

Further highlighting these initiatives, he shares that young girls are educated about important issues such as Good Touch and Bad Touch, personal safety, gender sensitisation, cyber safety, and the prevention of sexual harassment. Through these awareness programmes, students are encouraged to speak openly about their concerns without fear and are informed about the legal protections available to them.

Sharing more about the department's public awareness campaigns, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker explains that the Women Safety Branch regularly conducts programmes such as Cyber Awareness, ‘Chetna’, ‘Main Hoon Abhimanyu’, and the anti-drug campaign "Nashe Se Doori Hai Zaroori." Each campaign is designed to address a specific social issue while encouraging citizens to become responsible and informed members of society.

Apart from conducting awareness programmes, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker is also serving as a Master Trainer for the upcoming ‘Ujjain Simhastha 2028’, where he is involved in training police personnel from different parts of Madhya Pradesh. He explains that effective policing requires continuous learning, preparation, and coordination, and these training programmes help police personnel strengthen their professional skills before large-scale public events.

Reflecting on the broader purpose of his profession, Thakker shares that policing is not merely about enforcing the law but about creating trust within society. According to him, when citizens begin to trust the police, share information freely, and seek guidance without hesitation, the overall crime graph naturally declines. He believes that awareness is one of the strongest tools for preventing crime and creating a safer society.

Speaking further about his work, Sub-Inspector Thakker explains that every awareness programme conducted by his team has a common objective: to ensure that people understand that the police are always accessible. Whether it is a woman facing harassment, a child requiring guidance, a family seeking help, or a citizen dealing with cybercrime, he believes that timely awareness and open communication can make a significant difference.

Through every campaign, workshop, and public interaction, he continues to promote a simple yet meaningful message: that policing becomes truly effective when the police and the people work together with trust, awareness, and mutual respect.

Reflecting on his childhood, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker shares that he was born in Mahidpur, a tehsil in the Ujjain District of Madhya Pradesh, where he spent his formative years. His father was a doctor who practised medicine in the nearby town of Jharda, and much of his childhood was spent accompanying him there. Growing up in an environment where service to society was considered a way of life naturally shaped his personality and values from an early age.

Shivam Thakker completed his primary education at Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir and continued his schooling in Mahidpur until Class 12. Since Mathematics was one of his strongest subjects, his parents and elder brothers encouraged him to pursue Engineering. Respecting their guidance and recognising his aptitude, he appeared for the Pre-Engineering Test (PET) and secured an excellent rank, earning admission to Rishiraj Institute of Technology, Indore, where he completed his B.Tech Degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering.

After completing his engineering education, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker secured a campus placement and began working in the corporate sector. Although he appreciated the opportunity and gained valuable professional experience, somewhere deep within his heart, another dream continued to call him: a dream that had been with him since childhood.

Recalling one of his earliest memories, Thakker shares that his father had placed a beautiful picture in their drawing room depicting three young individuals wearing the uniforms of the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force. As a young boy, he would spend hours looking at that picture, imagining himself in one of those uniforms. He fondly remembers playing "chor-police" with his friends, where he would always choose to become a police officer. He would ask his father to buy him toy guns, happily wear police uniforms during fancy dress competitions, and proudly represent a police officer on every possible occasion.

He smiles as he recalls that even during childhood, wearing a uniform gave him immense happiness. Somewhere within him, he always knew that one day he wanted to dedicate his life to serving the nation in uniform.

However, life had its own course. Since he excelled in Mathematics and his parents wished to see their eldest son become an engineer, he pursued Engineering first. Yet, the dream of serving the country in uniform never disappeared. If given an opportunity, he wanted to join the Indian Army, and if not, he aspired to serve in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot. At that stage of life, however, he was unaware that examinations like NDA could be attempted immediately after Class 12.

Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker shares that it was only after arriving in Indore for higher education that he became aware of the numerous opportunities available in the defence services. During his Engineering years, he learned about the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Determined to fulfil his childhood dream, he began preparing for the exam seriously and joined a coaching class.

His dedication soon bore fruit. In his very first attempt, he successfully cleared the written examination for CDS. Filled with excitement, he appeared for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview in Bhopal. Although he could not clear the interview, the experience strengthened his determination rather than weakening it.

Shivam Thakker further says that he continued appearing for the examination several times, refusing to give up on his dream. During this phase, his family gradually began encouraging him to settle down and get married. However, he felt there was still one unfinished dream he needed to pursue before making any other decision.

Seeking support, he approached one of his cousin brothers, who was then studying at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College (MGM), Indore. Together, they convinced his father that pursuing an MBA would further strengthen his career prospects. With his family's blessings, he enrolled for an MBA in Tourism at IPS Academy, Indore.

Adding further, he shares that while pursuing an MBA, he also prepared for what would become his final attempt at the CDS examination. Everything seemed to be falling into place. He successfully cleared the written examination once again and was scheduled to appear for the SSB interview in Chennai.

However, destiny had different plans.

In 2009, just days before the interview, during the New Year celebrations on 31st December, he developed severe typhoid with a temperature of nearly 103°F. His SSB interview was scheduled for 3rd January, but his health deteriorated rapidly. Despite wanting to appear for the interview at any cost, his condition made it impossible for him to go to Chennai.

Remembering those moments, Shivam Thakker admits that it was one of the most emotionally difficult phases of his life. He had worked tirelessly for years, only to see his final opportunity slip away because of circumstances completely beyond his control. He recalls becoming deeply emotional while his father stood beside him, comforting him and reminding him that every setback carries a larger purpose. Although disappointed, he refused to let the incident define his future.

Shivam Thakker says that after completing his MBA, he accepted a job while continuing his preparation for competitive examinations. His mentors consistently encouraged him, believing that his dedication and capabilities would eventually lead him towards success.

As time passed, family members once again suggested that he consider settling down. Believing that entrepreneurship could become his future, Shivam Thakker returned to Mahidpur with plans to establish a business. He adds that he explored innovative ideas, including setting up a ‘Gulkand’ manufacturing unit using desi roses sourced from Hyderabad, along with a potato chips manufacturing venture. Months of planning and groundwork had already been completed. Yet, somewhere within his heart, the dream of wearing the uniform remained alive.

He shares that just as preparations for the business were nearing completion, the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) preliminary examination results were declared; he successfully cleared the pre-examination, and his teacher strongly encouraged him to return to Indore and prepare for the mains examination.

Standing at one of the most important crossroads of his life, Shivam Thakker faced a difficult choice. On one side was a stable family business waiting to begin; on the other was the dream he had nurtured since childhood. After careful thought, he chose his dream.

Entrusting the responsibility of the business to his younger brother, Anurag, who wholeheartedly supported his decision, Shivam Thakker returned to Indore and immersed himself once again in preparation. His perseverance finally paid off.

Happily, he shares that he successfully cleared the Madhya Pradesh Police Sub-Inspector Recruitment Examination, followed by the physical test, medical examination, and interview. In 2015, he was appointed as a Sub-Inspector in the Madhya Pradesh Police, bringing to life the dream he had cherished since childhood.

Looking back, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker shares that the day he wore the police uniform for the first time remains one of the proudest moments of his life. Years of perseverance, repeated failures, difficult decisions, and unwavering determination had finally culminated in the fulfilment of a childhood dream. For him, it was not merely a government job; it was the beginning of a life dedicated to serving society with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

After being appointed as a Sub-Inspector in Madhya Pradesh Police in 2015, SI Shivam Thakker began his policing career with his first posting in Burhanpur, where he served for nearly one and a half years. During that period, he gained valuable field experience while learning the realities of policing and public service at the grassroots level. Later, he was transferred to Indore, where his responsibilities expanded across different departments of the police force.

Speaking about his professional experience, SI Shivam Thakker shares that the Police Department offers diverse opportunities to serve society through specialised wings such as the Crime Branch, the Narcotics Wing, Police Stations, Traffic Police, the Women Safety Branch, and several other departments. Every wing carries a unique responsibility, yet all share one common objective: ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of citizens.

Recalling his tenure in the Crime Branch, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker shares that he investigated and handled several criminal cases during that period. While solving crimes gave him immense professional satisfaction, one question repeatedly occupied his mind: "Why do so many crimes happen in the first place?" The more he reflected on this question, the more he realised that a significant number of crimes occur because people are unaware of the law, their rights, or the precautions they should take.

This thought gradually changed his perspective towards policing. He realised that while solving crimes is important, preventing them through awareness is even more meaningful. According to him, if citizens are educated before becoming victims, many crimes can be prevented altogether.

MP Police Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker shares that during his police training, he had already been introduced to the concept of Community Policing. However, it was during his Crime Branch tenure that he truly understood its significance. He felt that if police officers actively interacted with society, educated citizens, and created awareness about legal rights and responsibilities, the crime graph could naturally decline.

Talking about how he formally became associated with Community Policing, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker fondly remembers the guidance of Superintendent of Police (SP) Manisha Pathak Soni, whom he considers one of the strongest influences in shaping this phase of his career. Since she was actively involved in community policing initiatives, she recognised his enthusiasm and encouraged him to join the department's awareness programmes.

Under her guidance, he was introduced to the Student Police Cadet (SPC) programme, a unique initiative that functions much like NCC, but with a stronger emphasis on legal awareness, discipline, leadership, and responsible citizenship among school students. Through this programme, he began interacting extensively with students and educational institutions, an experience that further strengthened his passion for preventive policing.

Since then, SI Shivam Thakker has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to spreading awareness across society. Over the years, he has conducted more than 900 awareness workshops covering subjects like Cyber Security, Women and Child Safety, Drug De-addiction, Legal Awareness, Personal Safety, Road Safety, Student Empowerment, and Community Policing. These sessions have been organised across schools, colleges, coaching institutes, villages, residential colonies, corporate organisations, public gatherings, and various community platforms throughout Madhya Pradesh.

Sharing the impact of these initiatives, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker proudly mentions that he has directly interacted with nearly two-and-a-half lakh people through these awareness programmes. Every workshop, according to him, is an opportunity to create positive change, strengthen public confidence, and help citizens become more informed and responsible.

One aspect that distinguishes his work is his willingness to remain connected with people even after the programmes conclude. He shares that during workshops, he often provides participants with his personal contact number so that anyone requiring guidance or assistance can approach him directly. Even after the sessions, he continues helping people by answering their queries, guiding them regarding legal procedures, and connecting them with the appropriate authorities whenever required.

Further elaborating on his responsibilities, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker explains that his team regularly conducts campaigns on subjects such as Cyber Awareness, Drug De-addiction (Nashe Se Doori Hai Zaroori), Women Safety, Child Protection, Good Touch–Bad Touch, and various other social issues identified by the Police Headquarters (PHQ). Every campaign is designed not merely to provide information but to encourage behavioural change within society.

According to him, every citizen who becomes aware of the law contributes towards reducing crime. He believes that when people understand cyber frauds, legal rights, women's safety provisions, and methods of reporting crimes, they become more confident, alert, and capable of protecting themselves as well as others.

Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker further shares that awareness programmes are not limited to students alone. His team regularly visits senior citizen groups, women's organisations, rural communities, urban colonies, educational institutions, industrial organisations, and public gatherings to ensure that every section of society receives accurate legal information.

Reflecting on this approach, he explains that every police officer already performs duties related to crime investigation, law enforcement, and maintaining public order. However, if every police officer also dedicates some time towards educating citizens every month, the long-term impact on society would be remarkable. According to him, reducing crime begins with increasing awareness.

Apart from community policing, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker has also been entrusted with another significant responsibility. He is serving as a Master Trainer for the Ujjain Simhastha going to be held in 2028, where he is involved in training police personnel from different districts of Madhya Pradesh. He believes that continuous learning and professional development are essential for every police officer, especially while preparing for large-scale public events that require exceptional coordination and public management.

Recalling one of the most challenging phases of his professional life, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker speaks about the COVID-19 pandemic. He remembers that during those uncertain days, while most people were confined to their homes for safety, police personnel continued performing their duties on the streets. The invisible nature of the virus created fear everywhere, yet the responsibility towards society remained unchanged.

He recalls that, during the pandemic days, every day carried uncertainty, as no one knew when they themselves might become infected. Despite those fears, police officers continued serving citizens with courage and dedication. He expresses gratitude towards the senior leadership of the Madhya Pradesh Police, including the Director General of Police, the Police Commissioners, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, and the Government of India, whose continuous support and guidance motivated the police force during one of the most difficult periods in recent history.

Looking back, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker says he believes that the pandemic reinforced one important lesson: that service to society often demands courage in the face of uncertainty. For him, wearing the uniform has never been about authority alone; it has always been about standing beside people during their most difficult moments.

Summarising his philosophy of policing, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker shares that true success is not measured only by the number of cases solved but also by the number of crimes prevented. He believes that every citizen who becomes aware of the law, every student who learns to protect themselves, and every family that begins trusting the police contributes towards building a stronger and safer nation.

Reflecting on the people who have influenced his life, Shivam Thakker shares that he does not limit his inspiration to one individual. According to him, every person who works selflessly for the nation and society becomes a source of inspiration for him. Whether serving in the Armed Forces, the Police Department, the education sector, healthcare, or any other profession, every individual dedicated to the progress of the country deserves respect and admiration.

He believes that true role models are those who remain committed to their responsibilities despite challenges and continue contributing towards nation-building with honesty and dedication. Their determination inspires him to become a better police officer and a better citizen every day.

SI Shivam Thakker also credits his father for instilling values that continue to guide him throughout his life. He recalls that while growing up, his father always encouraged him to remain grounded, irrespective of his achievements. From cleaning the family car to performing everyday household responsibilities, he was taught that no work is ever small or insignificant. According to him, every task deserves sincerity, respect, and complete dedication.

Sharing some of the thoughts that continue to motivate him, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker mentions a famous line from Shiv Khera's book Jeet Aapki:

“जीतने वाला कोई अलग काम नहीं करता, वह उसी काम को अलग ढंग से करता है।”

He explains that successful people are not those who perform extraordinary tasks; rather, they perform ordinary tasks with extraordinary dedication, discipline, and excellence. This philosophy constantly reminds him to strive for improvement in everything he undertakes.

Another thought that has deeply inspired him is the well-known dialogue from the film Om Shanti Om:

“अगर किसी चीज़ को शिद्दत से चाहो, तो पूरी कायनात उसे तुमसे मिलाने की कोशिश में लग जाती है।”

While he understands this as a cinematic dialogue, he believes its essence reflects the power of determination, sincere effort, and unwavering faith. According to him, when a person works honestly towards a meaningful goal, opportunities gradually begin to align with that purpose.

Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker also finds immense inspiration in a thought often quoted by Shri Amitabh Bachchan, originally written by his father, the legendary poet Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan:

“मन का हो तो अच्छा, और मन का न हो तो और भी अच्छा।”

He explains that when life unfolds according to our wishes, it certainly brings happiness. However, when circumstances take a different path, it often means that destiny or nature has planned something even better for us. Looking back at his own life, from repeated setbacks in his pursuit to join the defence services to ultimately becoming a police officer, he believes this thought has proved true on countless occasions.

Talking about music that motivates him during difficult times, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker fondly mentions the timeless song:

"रुक जाना नहीं तू कहीं हार के..."

He shares that whenever disappointment, stress, or failure tries to weaken his confidence, this song reminds him to keep moving forward with courage and determination. According to him, every challenge eventually becomes a lesson, and every setback prepares an individual for a greater opportunity.

Reflecting on the struggles that shaped his personality, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker candidly shares that the period during which he repeatedly prepared for competitive examinations without immediate success was emotionally challenging. There were moments when years of hard work seemed to produce no results, and uncertainty often overshadowed hope.

However, those experiences gradually taught him one of life's most valuable lessons, that success arrives at the right time for those who remain sincere, patient, and committed to their goals. He firmly believes that if a person continues making honest efforts with complete dedication, destiny eventually rewards that perseverance.

Speaking about women's safety initiatives across Madhya Pradesh, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker explains that the Police Department has established several dedicated mechanisms to ensure that women receive timely support and assistance.

He shares that every police station in Madhya Pradesh has an Urja Desk, where women can comfortably approach trained women police personnel to discuss any issue related to safety, harassment, domestic violence, or any other concern. These desks provide a supportive environment where women are heard with sensitivity and guided appropriately.

Apart from this, every district also has a dedicated Mahila Thana (Women's Police Station) and a Women Safety Branch, where women and girls can report concerns without hesitation. Besides, through Community Policing initiatives, police officers regularly visit schools, colleges, residential colonies, and public places to educate women and children about legal rights, cyber safety, self-protection, and available support systems.

Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker once again reiterates that the Police Department wants every citizen to understand one simple message:

"The Police are your friends. Never hesitate to approach us whenever you need help."

According to him, trust between citizens and the police is one of the strongest foundations of a safe society.

Addressing the younger generation, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker encourages every young individual to first identify a meaningful goal in life and then pursue it with discipline, consistency, patience, and hard work.

He advises young people never to compare themselves with others. He explains this beautifully with the example of a lion and a fish. A lion may be the king of the jungle, but it cannot swim like a fish. Similarly, a fish may be an excellent swimmer, but it cannot run across the land like a lion. Every individual possesses unique strengths, and true success lies in recognising and developing one's own abilities rather than comparing oneself with others.

He also believes that motivation is temporary, whereas consistency creates lasting success. Reading good books, choosing inspiring role models, continuously learning, and contributing towards the development of the nation are, according to him, the habits that shape responsible citizens.

Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker further shares that failure is never the end of the road. Rather, it is an opportunity to learn, improve, and return stronger than before. Every obstacle carries a lesson that prepares an individual for future success.

Recalling a poem that has become a personal source of strength throughout his life, he shares:

"ना पूछो मेरी मंज़िल कहाँ है,

अभी तो सफ़र का इरादा किया है।

ना हारूँगा हौसला उम्र भर,

ये मैंने खुद से वादा किया है।"

Explaining these lines, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker says that life is not merely about reaching a destination; it is about continuously moving forward with purpose. Every stage of life presents new opportunities to learn, grow, and serve others. Regardless of the nature of the work, every responsibility should be performed with complete honesty, dedication, and commitment.

On a concluding note, Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker expresses his hope that his experiences encourage others to remain determined, never lose faith during difficult times, and continue serving society in whatever capacity they can.

Women Safety Branch Indore Police Officer SI Shivam Thakker believes that a stronger nation is built not only through laws but also through awareness, compassion, trust, and responsible citizenship. Whether educating young girls about their rights, guiding students towards a brighter future, spreading awareness against cybercrime and substance abuse, or strengthening the bond between the police and the public, he continues to dedicate himself to a simple yet meaningful mission: creating a society where people feel informed, empowered, protected, and confident.

For Sub-Inspector Shivam Thakker, wearing the police uniform is not merely a profession; it is a lifelong responsibility to serve people with integrity, empathy, and unwavering commitment. Through every awareness campaign, every workshop, and every interaction with the community, he continues to prove that true policing begins with earning the trust of the people it is meant to protect.