In 1990, when I first stepped into a police uniform, I wasn’t just starting a career — I was entering a space where someone like me, a Sikh woman, had rarely been seen. As the proud daughter of a second-generation Punjabi family from India, I carried with me the strength of my ancestors, the dreams of my parents, and the weight of cultural expectations. 

At a time when South Asian women were nearly invisible in British policing, my decision to join the force defied tradition, challenged stereotypes, and carved a path that hadn’t existed before. It was a leap into the unknown, rooted in the values that shaped me: seva (selfless service), nām japna (spiritual reflection), and sarbat da bhala (working for the welfare of all). 

Serving With Spirit 

Those Sikh values weren’t just something I believed in — they became my blueprint for service. From walking the beat to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and working in custody as a Sergeant, I held onto them tightly. My aim was always clear: to serve with empathy, to build trust where fear existed, and to make sure representation wasn’t just aspirational — it was real, lived, and visible. 

But representation came with challenges. Being a South Asian woman in the police force meant I was often the only person in the room who looked like me. I wasn’t just navigating the demands of policing — I was confronting a system and culture that didn’t always make space for someone like me. 

Bridging Two Worlds 

The questions from outside were loud and persistent: 
“Why this job?” 
“Is it safe for a woman?” 
“What will people say?” 

Inside, it meant challenging biases, pushing for inclusion, and constantly proving that my heritage wasn’t a hindrance — it was my strength. Being South Asian made me more resilient, more empathetic, and more committed to changing the system from within. Whether mentoring new recruits, advocating for victims from marginalised backgrounds, or calling out systemic blind spots — I knew I wasn’t just there for myself. I was there for the women who would follow. 

That’s why I created Behind the Badge and the Bindi — a podcast that gives voice to the untold stories of women like me. It’s where I reflect on my 30+ year journey in policing, explore the intersection of identity and service. I speak directly to the next generation of South Asian women who are ready to lead in uniform and beyond. 

Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future 

This South Asian Heritage Month, I honour the legacy of our elders — the grandparents who arrived on unfamiliar shores, and the parents who held fast to culture while building new lives. Their sacrifices paved our routes. Their strength formed our roots. 

Representation is more than visibility — it’s power. It’s what allows us to dream bigger, push further, and know deep down that we belong.  

We’re not just rooted in tradition — we are shaping new routes with every step we take. 

We are here. 
We’ve contributed. 
And we are far from done.