Yamin Hazarika (1956-1999) was a pioneering Indian police officer and a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment. Born in Guwahati, Assam, she was the first woman from Northeast India to join the central police service. Her life was a testament to her determination and intellect, leaving behind an inspiring legacy despite her tragic and untimely death.
Hazarika came from a distinguished family with a rich history of public service and intellectual pursuits. Her father, Sirajul Hussain Hazarika, was a deputy excise commissioner, while her grandfather was dismissed from a similar post for his involvement in the freedom movement. Her mother, Shameem Hazarika, was a progressive woman and one of the first female car drivers in Guwahati.
Hazarika’s educational journey showcased her brilliance. She attended St. Mary’s Convent in Guwahati and Pine Mount Convent in Shillong, where she was known as a top student. She went on to study history at IP College in Delhi and then earned a law degree in Guwahati while preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. Hazarika cleared the UPSC exams twice and was selected for the NCT of Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, and Dadra Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS) in 1977.
Her professional career was marked by significant achievements and a commitment to justice. After her training at the Punjab Police Academy, her first posting was as Assistant Commissioner of Police in Chanakyapuri, Delhi. She later became the Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Crime Against Women Cell, where she implemented stringent measures to combat sexual harassment. During the turbulent period following the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Hazarika was entrusted with the leadership of three key police stations, demonstrating the trust placed in her leadership and capabilities. Her career also took an international turn when she served with the UN peacekeeping force in Bosnia in 1998, a posting that showcased her professional competence on a global stage. She was a recipient of the Nirman Award and the Mahila Shiromani Award, recognising her exceptional contributions.
Despite her demanding career, Hazarika was a dedicated single mother to her two children, Huma and Vikram, whom she raised after separating from her husband, IPS officer Rajeev Sagar. Friends and colleagues described her as a mild-mannered and soft-spoken person, yet exceptionally tough and effective in her role.
It was during her UN mission in Bosnia that she was diagnosed with leukaemia. She returned to India for treatment but tragically succumbed to the disease on July 24, 1999, at the age of 43.
Yamin Hazarika’s legacy lives on. The Yamin Hazarika Woman of Substance Award was established in her honour in 2015 to recognise women who have broken stereotypes and made significant societal contributions. Her children have also paid tribute to her by co-founding YAMIN, a jewellery brand that promotes empowerment and inclusion. Hazarika’s life continues to inspire women in India and beyond, serving as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through determination, competence, and an unwavering commitment to service.