Biography:
Rekha Mishra, born around 1986, is an inspiring Indian police officer from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) who has made significant contributions in reuniting lost children with their families. Hailing from the Kanjia village of Kaurihar block in District Prayagraj Allabahad, Uttar Pradesh, Mishra comes from a military family. Her father, Surendra Narayan Mishra, is a retired Indian Army personnel, and she has two brothers serving in the Indian Army. Her grandfather, Surya Narayan Mishra, was a freedom fighter, which instilled a sense of patriotism and service in Mishra from a young age.
In 2014, Mishra joined the Railway Protection Force and was assigned to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Terminus. As a sub-inspector of the police, Mishra and her colleagues developed a unique skillset to identify and assist lost children who often found themselves at the end of the railway lines, unsure of their next steps. By 2018, she had successfully identified and supported hundreds of children who had run away to Mumbai. These children, naively dreaming of meeting Bollywood film stars or people they connected with on social media platforms like Facebook, sought refuge in the bustling city.
Recognizing her exceptional dedication and impact on society, Mishra was honored with the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2018. The award was presented to her on International Women’s Day at the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan) in New Delhi, where she was felicitated by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. Prominent figures such as the Minister for Women & Child Development, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, also attended the ceremony. Mishra was one of thirty individuals recognized that day, and as part of the award, she received a prize of 100,000 rupees.
Displaying her selfless nature and deep concern for the welfare of children, Mishra generously donated the entirety of her prize money to Childline, a specialized NGO dedicated to rescuing and caring for lost and troubled children. She firmly believed that the organization required the funds more than she did, ensuring their vital work could continue.
Mishra’s exceptional efforts in reuniting lost children and her impact on society didn’t go unnoticed beyond the award ceremony. Her remarkable work became an exemplar case, featured in school textbooks for year 10 students in Maharashtra. It served as an educational tool, vividly illustrating the potential consequences children face when they run away from home.
Rekha Mishra’s tireless dedication to her duty as a police officer and her ability to make a significant positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children exemplify her exceptional character and resilience. Her story serves as an inspiration for future generations, reminding us of the profound impact that ordinary individuals can have on their communities.
Awards:
– Nari Shakti Puraskar (2018)