Jija M Harisingh IPS firmly believed in the transformative power of government service | Global TV
DR. RUKSANA HASSAN | CHIEF EDITOR | GLOBAL TV | +91 8951700535
Jija M Harisingh, retired IPS (Indian Police Service) officer, a pioneer as the first woman IPS officer in South India, served for over 35 years. She retired in 2011 as the Director General of Police in Karnataka. A trailblazer in both the police force and the corporate public sector, she held key positions in organizations like the Airports Authority of India, Nuclear Power Corporation, and National Textile Corporation.
Jija, a 1975-batch IPS officer, firmly believed in the transformative power of government service. Her career spanned various sectors, showcasing her leadership at the helm of Mysore Minerals Ltd., which she turned around from the brink of liquidation. Additionally, she served as the Managing Director of Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Karnataka.
She pursued advanced management programs at prestigious institutions like Harvard University, USA, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and The Scotland Yard, London, UK. Her commitment to learning continued with a 4-month program on Strategic Human Resources Management at Wollongong University, Sidney, Australia.
Post-retirement, Jija co-led international research projects focusing on civil security cooperation between India and Germany. Notably, she contributed to projects like SenSE4Metro, addressing security and emergency management for underground Metro systems during disasters.
Jija garnered national recognition for her sensitive handling of diversity issues and conflict resolution, earning the Indira Priyadarshini Award for National Integration. She received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and various accolades like the Rotary Millennium Woman Award.
Beyond her illustrious career in law enforcement and public service, Jija is an accomplished artist, receiving the Indira Priyadarshini National Award for Contribution to Arts. She has exhibited her work globally, supporting causes like Kargil war widows through art sales.
Presently, Jija is deeply engaged in philanthropy and corporate governance, empowering women & youth, building livelihoods of Tribals in Bandipur, probably in Bangalore in the next two years, an Art experience village, a College of Art, Design and Music with a Namma Philharmonic Centre as well as a market place like Delhi Haat for crafts, arts & a permanent farmer’s market. She serves as the Managing Trustee of The Art Mantram Foundation, Bangalore, Past President of the Lotus and Chrysanthemum Trust & Institute of Directors Bangalore, and a Trustee of the Shruti Foundation, Ramgarh-Shekhawati. Furthermore, she contributes her expertise as a Member of the Advisory Board for Synergia Foundation & Cyber 360.
Academically accomplished, Jija holds a Ph.D. in Sociology (Development Studies) from Mysore University, two Master of Arts Degrees in English Literature and Sociology, and an Honorary Doctorate in Human Science from Girne American University. Her academic journey began as a journalist with the Indian Space Research Organisation, eventually becoming a Lecturer at Maharaja’s College Kochi before joining IPS.
A very well written article!! Congratulations!
Amazing article showcasing the brilliant journey of Jija mam