A mother is a mother first and then anything else. Police Inspector of Jhansi district in Uttar Pradesh, Archana Jayant proves this proverb. Archana comes to the office every day with a lovely bundle of joy along with her. However, kids are a package of joy until they are cheerful and enjoying, as soon as they start getting irritated, they begin to irritate everyone around them.
Archana takes care of both, her official work as well as her six months old baby. She brings her child to the police station every day and keeps the baby along with her throughout the day. One side where has a 24-hour tough duty of Inspector, the other hand she has a tedious job of motherhood.
Picture of Archana has floated on social media and going viral of late. People are saluting her courage and called her Mother Cop.
Ever since Anika is born, Archana was on maternity leave for six months. Last month only she joined office and came back to work. Since she has no one else with her in the city, she has no choice other than bringing her six-months-old baby to the police station. She has two girl daughters. The elder daughter is living with Archana’s mother-in-law and goes to school in Kanpur. Her husband works for a private company in Gurugram. And she lives in a rented house in Jhansi with Anika.
Also Read: Mother’s tight work schedule may affect child’s sleep
When asked about how she tackles both the jobs since both are tedious and needs lots of attention, she replies, “It is difficult to manage both the tasks at the same time. But both the jobs are dear to me and I cannot prioritise one over another. Although an Inspector’s job is for 24-hours but with the help and cooperation of the staff members, it has become easy for me to manage both.”
Archana does not even compromise with work. There are times when she has to go for night shifts. She says that her colleagues are also very cooperative and help her in taking care of the baby.
Also Read: India’s maternal mortality ratio has declined, more than 30 mothers’ lives saved every day: Minister
“I have prepared a bag for Anika in which everything is ready beforehand. I just have to put a bottle of milk in it,” said Archana.
She has also applied for a transfer to Agra since her parents live there and she will be able to leave her child at home with her parents when she comes for duty. DIG Subhash Bahel has announced to reward Archana for her dedication for work and her uncompromising attitude towards both the duty of police as well as of a mother.
Also Read: Postpartum depression linked to mother’s pain post childbirth
Watching, listening, ever-present through fields, trees, at water’s edge provided shelter, grounding whispered cautions.
The child grew, left her side, pursued dreams until life overwhelming. An adult returns “Mother?” she cries.
“Here,” Earth responds.
