Taking the lead

 

 

It really was a dream for her. A dream that had at last touched reality. She was to be the first woman Muslim police officer in all of West Bengal. Papia Sultana was now going to become the symbol of success for the Muslim women society after her success in West Bengal Police Service Commission exam, which is a particular category of the West Bengal Civil Services (WBCS).

Khaskhamar, Papia's native village, is a Muslim dominated, remote and backward rural area of the Bauriah industrial belt in Howrah District. The conservative atmosphere of the village was not at all congenial to formal education only two decades back. The society was more or less reluctant to send their daughters to the educational institutions. However, the scenario is gradually changing. At present, the village is proud to have 11 'Masters degree holders', of which women are seven.

FACTFILE

Papia belongs to Khaskhamar, remote and backward, Muslim dominated rural area in WB

Passed madhyamik with 85%, completed BSc (Chemistry Hons) and MBA with record marks

Salema Jahan, Papia's mother and a history teacher at the local Madrasa herself earned BA, B Ed and MA degrees after her marriage and shows the way to higher education by overcoming the hindrance of conservative society. Salema’s husband, Arjahan Haldar, had stood firmly by her during those days and continues to do so. Today, Papia’s source of inspiration is the same – her father. "Yes, I provide full liberty to my daughter and I also firmly believe that she will never misuse it" said Arjahan Saheb, a retired state government engineer.

The sound academic background has played a vital role in paving Papia’s way to success. She passed her madhyamik with 85% marks from Bauriah Girls’ School in 1996. After successfully completing BSc with Chemistry Hons., she earned an MBA degree with record marks. Though Papia had started her career in the corporate sector i.e. a private bank, the lack of job satisfaction made her quit the job.

She started preparing for the WBCS exam after getting married to Badrul Alam, who is a BE-MBA, and was finally able to achieve her goal. "That Muslims do not get enough opportunity for development is partly true, but what's also true is that if one has enough talent and sincerity, it’s very difficult to suppress him or her," said Arjahan Haldar.

And how does Papia feel? "Just like my father, I don't like to identify anyone with religion. I want to serve the entire society. I think Muslim females could learn the lesson from me, on how to accept a challenge."