“MY NAME is Madhuri Bhagwat. Age, I won’t tell. I live in Sagar, MP though I work in Bhopal. I got my job on 30.6.1986 and I am known as udan pari in Madhya Pradesh police. Anything else?”
Madhuri Bhagwat was in a mood to finish off the interview even before it began.
Among the four women achievers honoured in the city, Madhuri, who holds a record in inter state police 100m, 200m and 400m sprint, is also a powerlifter and is routinely employed for VVIP and law order duties.
Is she married? “Are you joking? Could I have done all this if I was married,” she responds. Just back from Korea where she won a gold in Asian powerlifting, she will be heading to the Philippines in August for the “Commonwealth bench-press.”
Presently posted as a sub inspector, Madhuri is all set to get a promotion as inspector. But, even as the job keeps her busy, it is not enough for her stomach. “The expenditure on my food alone is Rs 20,000 per month and I get around Rs 10,000 odd from my salary. So, salary alone is not sufficient. I rely mainly on sponsors to keep me going and take care of my family,” she adds.
Given her rather heavy built, it’s difficult to believe that she holds a record for MP police in sprint. She answers as soon as you raise the issue. “Want to run with me,” she asks matter-of-factly and then adds, “It’s not your fault. But, then don’t they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating!”
{{/usCountry}}Given her rather heavy built, it’s difficult to believe that she holds a record for MP police in sprint. She answers as soon as you raise the issue. “Want to run with me,” she asks matter-of-factly and then adds, “It’s not your fault. But, then don’t they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating!”
{{/usCountry}}Ask her about the secret of her success and she says,” I was born on naag panchami day and my father made me strong by giving me goat’s milk. Now, of course, everyone knows me well.”
Madhuri’s sister-in-law, Bharti says, “For us, she has never been inferior to men. We feel proud of her achievements.”
When she is not participating in competitions, Madhuri is regularly put on curfew, VVIP duties etc by her superiors in the police.
“I am a strict cop. There are times when some people flaunt their connections and try to act smart with the cops. I deal with such people in a befitting manner. Of course, it does entail risk as someone who is well connected might make life difficult for you. But, I don’t care,” she says.