Interview | Retired IPS officer Tejdeep Kaur Menon shares her journey of societal reform; spotlight on Sikligar community upliftment

Hyderabad: Tejdeep Kaur Menon is a name synonymous with strength, resilience, and a tireless commitment to public service.

A retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, poet, environmentalist and advocate for women’s rights, she has spent her life breaking barriers and championing the causes of those in need. After an illustrious career as the Director General of the Telangana State Special Protection Force, Tejdeep has continued her journey of societal reform through her leadership of the Telangana Sikh Society.

In this exclusive interview with NewsMeter, Tejdeep delves into her career, post-retirement work, and unwavering dedication to community empowerment, with a particular focus on her transformative initiatives for the Sikligar community in Telangana.

From IPS to Community Advocate

Q: What inspired you to join the Indian Police Service in 1983, at a time when the field was traditionally dominated by men?

Tejdeep Kaur Menon: My paternal grandfather was a police officer in Pakistan and later in Punjab. Being the eldest grandchild and the eldest of three girls, I felt that at least one woman in the family should stand on her own feet and take charge of her life. My mother was hearing impaired when I was five years old, so I had a driving ambition to support myself and my family. In the Sikh community, joining the armed forces is a tradition, and I was determined to carry that legacy forward.

Q: After retiring from the IPS, what motivated you to work with the Telangana Sikh Society?

Tejdeep Kaur Menon: When I retired in 2020, Covid-19 had just broken out. The Telangana government had granted land for a Gurudwara two years prior, and the Sikh community needed a unified voice to lead them. Historically, the Sikligar community, descendants of the tenth Guru’s army, have faced immense challenges. Many are blacksmiths and nomadic artisans who lacked stable livelihoods. The situation was dire. My role became to represent their needs, mediate disputes and ensure their welfare, which was a natural extension of my commitment to service.

Empowering the Sikligar Community

Tejdeep’s initiatives through the Telangana Sikh Society have brought life-changing improvements to the Sikligar community, particularly in housing, health and education.

Q: Could you elaborate on the impact of your work with the Sikligar community?

Tejdeep Kaur Menon: We have fought for the squatter rights of nomadic Sikligar families, preventing evictions and securing stable housing. For instance, in north Adilabad, families who had been moving between temporary shelters for decades were finally provided 2BHK government homes. In Kamareddy, we intervened to stop demolitions and even had power restored to these families.

Education is another priority. With support from the Rotary Club, we revamped the Guru Nanak High School, investing over a crore in infrastructure. We’ve also organized eye camps in collaboration with Lawrence and Mayo, distributing 2,000–3,000 spectacles to students.

Leadership in Action

Tejdeep’s leadership extends to resolving internal community disputes and promoting unity.

Q: How did you mediate disputes within the Sikh community?

Tejdeep Kaur Menon: Our community, though united by faith, has been historically divided into three groups: the Sikligars, blacksmiths and Dakhni Sikhs. When conflicts arose, I stepped in to mediate and represent them before the Telangana government. It’s ironic that a ‘sardarni’ had to lead the sardars, but the outcome has been harmony and progress for everyone involved.

Women’s Empowerment and Beyond

Tejdeep’s commitment to women’s empowerment is evident in the establishment of three Women Development Hubs across Telangana.

Q: Could you tell us about the Women Development Hubs?

Tejdeep Kaur Menon: We started the first hub in Attapur this summer and are inaugurating hubs in Miryalaguda, Hasmatpet Secunderabad and Fatehgarh Nizamabad town. These hubs focus on skills training, such as fashion design and pre-primary teacher training, providing women with the tools to achieve financial independence and dignity.

Q: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to excel in leadership roles?

Tejdeep Kaur Menon: Resilience is key. Be confident, consistent and compassionate. Women often face the pressure to prove themselves twice over, but if you stay focused on your goals and values, success will follow.

Art, Environment and Advocacy

Tejdeep is also a poet and environmentalist, using her creative talents to address pressing issues.

Q: How does poetry shape your advocacy for women and the environment?

Tejdeep Kaur Menon: I’ve done three dance ballads that blend poetry and storytelling. One of them, ‘What About Me,’ narrates a woman’s journey, while another depicts the life of a river, from her pure beginnings to her tragic end in the polluted sea. These works are my way of highlighting the resilience of women and the need for environmental conservation.

Looking Ahead

Q: What are your current priorities for the Telangana Sikh Society?

Tejdeep Kaur Menon: We are building three more Women Development Hubs and addressing critical issues like drug abuse, domestic violence and alcoholism through youth camps. The focus remains on creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering respect and dignity within the community.

Q: What message would you like to share with the next generation?

Tejdeep Kaur Menon: Resilience, compassion and community service are the pillars of a meaningful life. Never underestimate the power of unity and the difference you can make in someone’s life.

A Legacy of Service

From her pioneering career in the IPS to her tireless efforts with the Telangana Sikh Society, Tejdeep Kaur Menon’s journey is a testament to the power of leadership and compassion. Her work continues to inspire countless individuals to rise above challenges and contribute meaningfully to society. As she puts it, “NGO work doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an effort that takes time, but the results are always worth it.”