Meet Dr. Heena Fuplunkar, a Doctor already to now serve as Police Officer
For thousands of students, particularly those from vernacular medium, Dr. Heena Qasim Fuplunkar’s story is a reminder that dreams can rise above limitations when supported by determination, discipline and sustained effort
Some journeys are measured in kilometres. Others are measured in courage. The journey of Dr. Heena Qasim Fuplunkar, from the small Konkan village of Saai in Raigad district to the prestigious position of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) / Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), is one such extraordinary journey.
Dr Heena Fuplunkar's story is more than a tale of academic achievements and government service — it is the story of a young woman who refused to let her circumstances define her destiny.
From an Urdu-medium school in a small village, Dr. Heena Fuplunkar went on to become a doctor, entered government service as an Excise Inspector, continued preparing for competitive examinations while managing demanding professional responsibilities, faced disappointment more than once, sought legal recourse for what she believed was her rightful opportunity, and ultimately emerged victorious.
Her journey carries a simple but powerful message:
Where you begin does not determine where you can reach.
For thousands of students, particularly those from vernacular medium, Dr. Heena’s story is a reminder that dreams can rise above limitations when supported by determination, discipline and sustained effort.
Dr. Heena Phoplunkar began her education at RZP Urdu School, Saai, where the foundation of her academic journey was laid. She completed Class X at Advocate Haroon Solkar High School, Saai, and pursued Science for Class XII at S.S. High School and Junior College, Morba. She then pursued BHMS and achieved her first major dream when she became a doctor in 2014.
But that was not the end of her ambitions. It opened the door to a larger dream — to serve the society through public service.
Speaking exclusively to Inquilab, she recalls:
“During my BHMS studies in Kharghar, I came to know about government services and competitive examinations. That was when I realised that there was a much wider field waiting for me in public service.”
After completing BHMS, she worked in several hospitals, at times even doing double shifts — to serve patients and to achieve financial stability so that financial difficulties would not hinder her preparation.
During this period, she came across an advertisement for free coaching for competitive examinations at Savitribai Phule Pune University. She appeared for the entrance test, secured admission and spent nearly two years in Pune availing free accommodation and preparation facilities.
Her hard work bore fruit. She cleared the MPSC examination, and in 2018 entered government service as an Inspector in the State Excise Department, Government of Maharashtra.
For nearly seven years, she served in areas including Andheri, Matunga and Chembur. The job demanded commitment, flexibility and constant readiness — office responsibilities during the day, field duties whenever required, and remaining on call, sometimes working late into the night.
Yet, one thought remained alive in her mind.
“There was always a feeling in my heart that I had to achieve something more,” she says. “Therefore, while performing my duties, I continued my studies whenever I found the opportunity.”
In 2023, she appeared for the MPSC examination with thorough preparation and cleared all three stages, but faced disappointment at the medical stage and could not secure a place in the final merit list.
It was a painful setback, but she refused to give up.
When the MPSC examination was held again in 2024, she returned with renewed determination and cleared all stages, yet her name did not appear in the final list. The repeated disappointment put her under considerable mental pressure.
At that difficult moment, her friends and colleagues stood firmly beside her. They encouraged her not to lose hope and advised her to challenge the matter legally.
Dr. Heena says:
“I did not give up. I had to fight legally for my rights for nearly eight months. Despite being fully occupied with my job, it was not easy to raise my voice against the injustice done to me while remaining within the legal framework. But I did not lose courage. Eventually, the decision came in my favour, and I won.”
That victory was more than a legal decision. It was the culmination of patience, courage and perseverance.
Following the legal victory, Dr. Heena Qasim Fuplunkar was selected for the prestigious position of DySP/ACP. She is currently undergoing training at the Maharashtra Police Academy, Nashik, in law enforcement, police administration, discipline, investigation, leadership and public service.
Neither of her parents had the opportunity to pursue higher education. Her mother studied up to Class IV, while her father completed Class X. He initially worked as a bus driver with State Transport (ST). Determined to provide better educational opportunities for his two daughters, he later worked as a driver for a private company in Kuwait for nearly ten years before returning to India due to ill health.
Remembering her parents’ sacrifices, Dr. Heena says:
“There are many sacrifices of my parents behind my success. Both my parents are very simple. Perhaps even today they may not fully understand the difference between the posts of Excise Inspector and DySP, but their prayers and hard work are the reason I have reached this position.”
She also acknowledges the contribution of her teachers, friends, seniors, mentors and well-wishers, whose support became crucial when she faced setbacks.
Her success is particularly inspiring for young women. Police leadership demands courage, mental strength, physical fitness, discipline and sound judgement. Her journey demonstrates that when girls receive education, guidance, opportunity and family support, they can excel in any field.
In her message for the youth she said:
“Dream. Believe in your dreams. Work consistently and remain determined to achieve your goal. Do not be afraid of failure, because failure can sometimes pave the way to success. If your goal is clear and you continue to struggle, success will certainly come.”
[The writer, Shaikh Akhlaque Ahmed, is Mumbai based Career Counsellor and Motivational Speaker. The above article was first published in Daily Inquilab, Mumbai.]
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