MANDI: Amidst the colonial grandeur of the historic Gaiety Theatre, Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla witnessed an extraordinary blend of uniformed duty and creative expression.
Geetanjali Thakur, a serving officer currently posted as Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Police Headquarters in Shimla, and overseeing Anti Narcotics Cell, showcased a rare and breathtaking solo exhibition titled “Colours of Courage”, featuring over 250 original acrylic works on canvas, each narrating a story of strength, empathy and resilience.
The two-day exhibition drew hundreds of visitors, including senior dignitaries and top officials from across Himachal Pradesh. The event was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh DGP Atul Verma and graced by the presence of the ADGPs of CID, Crime and Law and Order, HPPSC Chairman Rameshwar Thakur and Director of Prosecution Mohinder Chauhan, among others.
Their presence spoke volumes about the admiration and support the artist-officer commands within administrative and enforcement circles.
Beyond the badge: An officer and an artist
Belonging to the 2018 batch of the Himachal Pradesh Police Service, the officer has carved a niche for herself both in law enforcement and the art world. With a clear sense of purpose and unwavering dedication, her journey so far has seamlessly intertwined service and creativity.
In 2019, she became the first woman officer in Himachal Pradesh to lead an all-women parade on Police Martyrs’ Day.
During her tenure as the SDPO-Karsog, a sensitive subdivision that was part of the home district of then Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, she managed complex law and order situations while building a bridge of trust between the police and the community. It was here she was honoured with the DGP Commendation Disc for her exemplary service.
From ceremonial precision to COVID response
Her capabilities have ranged from commanding prestigious parades, including the President’s Colours Parade and Women’s Day Parade, to leading frontline COVID-19 relief efforts.
“Humanity is our race and compassion is our religion,” she says, a motto that defined her pandemic response, from distributing essentials to ensuring safety for the most vulnerable.
She led impactful operations, including a major commercial quantity seizure of 7,400 tramadol tablets, disrupting a significant drug network.
Her leadership also saw decisive action against fake doctors and unauthorised pharmacies, reinforcing her commitment to public health and safety. Her PSO was also recognised with the DGP Disc for intelligence inputs that led to these breakthroughs.
Deeply committed to youth empowerment, she initiated free coaching classes for aspiring constables from underprivileged backgrounds, many of whom have gone on to clear their written exams successfully. “Whether it’s in law enforcement or in art, mentorship is a powerful tool to inspire change,” she says.
Colours of Courage: A vision on canvas
Each of the over 250 paintings at the exhibition reflected a journey not just of the artist, but of society’s struggles and hopes.
Using acrylic on canvas, her works spanned themes of resilience, womanhood, nature, duty and humanity. From stark depictions of addiction to meditative abstracts on service, the collection was a vibrant testament to her layered worldview.
“The brush and the baton may seem like contrasting tools, but for me, they both serve the same purpose — to protect, express and inspire,” ” she said during the exhibition.
The exhibition concluded with resounding appreciation from all quarters and left a lasting impression on visitors who were moved not just by the art, but by the story behind it.
Munish Sood
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