Ahmedabad: With the determination to achieve their dreams, hundreds of young women lined up for the physical exam for police sub-inspector (PSI) recruitment at Ahmedabad’s police headquarters on Wednesday. Braving the morning chill, the hopefuls, some accompanied by family, took on a challenge that was months in the making. For many, the race ended in triumph and tears of joy; for others, it was heartbreak, with the finish line remaining agonizingly out of reach.
Bhumika Rajvi, a young woman from Rajkot, hugged her mother and family members after completing the race in the stipulated time. “About 200 of us started running at 7am, and only 70 could finish on time. I trained for months, and this success feels surreal,” she said.
For 21-year-old Alisha Vaghela from Himmatnagar, it was a second shot at success after failing a forest beat guard physical exam earlier. Overjoyed and emotional, she embraced her family after crossing the finish line within the stipulated time. “I worked hard and stayed focused; this is a dream come true,” she shared.
Dharmishtha Balisna, 23, from Rajkot, credited her husband for her success. “He trained alongside me every day for months, motivating me to push harder. This result is as much his as mine,” she said, beaming with pride.
Not everyone left the field with joy, though. A young woman from Surendranagar was inconsolable after falling short by just three seconds. Her parents were seen consoling her and assuring her that she would qualify the next time. Another from Himmatnagar missed by four seconds, leaving her family and well-wishers assuring her of success in her next attempt.
The recruitment drive, part of the state’s initiative to induct 12,472 personnel into the police force, saw over 12 lakh applicants vying for positions of PSI and Lok Rakshak Dal personnel. Physical tests commenced on Wednesday at 15 grounds across Gujarat, with 10.73 lakh candidates confirmed for participation. At Ahmedabad’s Shahibaug police headquarters alone, the resilience and determination of young women were on full display as they raced against time — and the odds — to turn their aspirations into reality.