From COVID time doctor to commander of Independence Day parade; Dream come true moment for Dr Aparna IPS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was a dream-come-true moment for ASP Dr O Aparna while saluting the Chief Minister. For someone busy working in clinics during the pandemic, it was certainly no less a dream-come-true moment to become the commander of the Independence Day parade in 2026. Even in the euphoria of the moment, she did not forget to thank her father from the bottom of her heart. Aparna’s father, Anil Kumar, was a Sub Inspector, and it was through him that she developed a liking for the profession.

After completing her MBBS from Palakkad Government Medical College, everyone insisted that she do her post-graduation. However, Aparna had different plans.

In her maiden attempt, Aparna cleared the civil service examination and became an IPS officer with a rank of 475. She also has the honour of being the first IPS officer from Malappuram.

Aparna of Parvanam House in Munduparamba Kavungal Bypass, Malappuram became a doctor in 2020. During the COVID era, she was busy treating people infected by the pandemic. It was during those times that Aparna decided to study for the civil service examination online and spent eight hours a day preparing.

She was not ready to compromise her pastime pleasures; along with reading newspapers and preparing for the examination, Aparna also found time to visit relatives and watch new movies. After serving in Kasaragod, Bekal, and Punalur, she is now an ASP in Puthenkurishu. Aparna will soon be promoted to SP. During her civil service training, Aparna also trained with soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir. Aparna’s mother, K. Sheeba, is a teacher. Her sister is Malavika.

“If they have education and a job, women will not have to bow down to anyone. Parents should think twice whether it is wise to get their daughters married off, disrupting their studies. If you work hard, you can succeed in any field. The civil service is not something unachievable. There is no need to practice from the fifth grade,” said ASP Dr O. Aparna.