Daughter dons khaki, fulfils utensil-washing mother’s long struggle

Indore: Years of scrubbing utensils to keep her daughters in school culminated in a moment Chhaya Tayde had long held on to, watching her youngest, Aruna, return home in khaki as a constable in MP police.

The 23-year-old, now posted in Dindori after completing her training, walked into their modest home in Silampura-Milind Nagar on Saturday, and bent to touch her parents’ feet. Her mother, who still works in several homes, struggled to hold back tears. Father Namdev, a painter, stood by, the couple’s years of quiet sacrifice laid bare in a single, unguarded moment.

The family’s journey from poverty to pride has become the talk of the locality. Despite limited income, the couple managed to educate all six daughters till graduation.

Aruna, the youngest among the siblings, balanced studies with sports and went on to represent at the state level in games, winning several medals. Family members said her sporting background helped her stay focused during police recruitment preparations.

Speaking to TOI, Aruna said, “I used to study for nearly 12 hours every day. Along with coaching classes, I also trained regularly on the ground for physical preparation. Even when I needed something, I avoided asking my parents because I knew the family’s financial condition. Many times, I even borrowed internet hotspots from people at my coaching centre to continue my studies,” said 23-year-old Aruna Tayde, who recently completed her training and has now been posted in Dindori as a constable in Madhya Pradesh Police.

The emotional moment came when Aruna returned home in uniform after her training and touched her parents’ feet to seek blessings. Seeing their daughter in khaki left the couple overwhelmed. Soon after, residents of the area organised a celebratory procession, taking her through the locality in an open jeep amid DJ music and dancing.

Aruna first paid tribute at the statue of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar before the celebrations began. Neighbours thronged the family’s house throughout the day to congratulate the parents, whose years of labour and sacrifice finally culminated in their daughter joining the police force.

In a neighbourhood where Chhaya was known for washing utensils in several homes to make ends meet, residents said Aruna’s achievement has turned into a symbol of hope for many struggling families and young girls aspiring to build careers despite financial hardships.