Meet SSP Tanushree: IPS Officer Awarded Gallantry Medal on Republic Day 2026

Senior Superintendent of Police Tanushree, who served as the district police chief of Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir, has built her career through grassroots experience, perseverance, and commitment to public service. On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, she was awarded the First Bar to the Gallantry Medal, recognising her continued acts of bravery and devotion to duty.

Gallantry Award on Republic Day 2026

According to the official list a large number of personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police were honoured with Gallantry Medals and Bars on Republic Day 2026.

The report states that Ms Tanushree, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, was awarded the First Bar to the Gallantry Medal, marking repeated acts of courage in the line of duty. The award recognises exceptional bravery, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to maintaining public order and national security in Jammu and Kashmir.

Early Education and Academic Background

SSP Tanushree completed her early education in undivided Bihar and Jharkhand. She studied Mathematics in Class 12 and consistently performed well in academics. Alongside academics, she developed a strong interest in creativity and design.

She later pursued Textile Designing and graduated from NIFT Gandhinagar, choosing the field out of a genuine inclination toward creative work.

Professional Experience Before Civil Services

After graduation, Tanushree worked in the textile and handloom sector for nearly three to four years. During this phase, she served as a designer in cluster development projects in Jharkhand, working closely with artisans and economically weaker communities.

She has stated that this grassroots exposure played a significant role in shaping her understanding of social realities and public service.

Motivation to Join the Civil Services

Although civil services were not her initial goal, sustained interaction with rural communities and her exposure to public service at home—her father served in the police department in Jharkhand—gradually influenced her decision to attempt the Civil Services Examination.

She felt that civil services would allow her to contribute more meaningfully and at a wider scale.

UPSC Journey and Entry into IPS

Tanushree has spoken openly about the emotional challenges of the UPSC journey. She faced failure in initial attempts and described the difficulty of preparing repeatedly for an examination that demands years of dedication.

During her second attempt cycle, she joined the Railway Protection Force (RPF) through a competitive process. While undergoing training, she continued preparing for UPSC and subsequently qualified for the Indian Police Service (IPS).

Tenure as SSP Shopian

Shopian was her first district posting, where she served for over one and a half years. She has described her first district as being especially close to her heart.