In a remarkable achievement that has filled Arunachal Pradesh with pride, Tenzin Yangki has scripted history by becoming the first woman from the state to join the Indian Police Service (IPS). Her journey — marked by resilience, legacy, and an unshakable commitment to serve — is now inspiring young women across the Northeast to dream beyond boundaries.
A Trailblazer from Tawang
Hailing from the picturesque Tawang district, Tenzin Yangki secured an All India Rank of 545 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. She completed her Phase I training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, where she was lauded for her leadership and discipline.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu and several public figures, including industrialist Anand Mahindra, congratulated her on social media. Mahindra’s post calling her “an academician, a civil servant, and now an IPS officer” resonated widely, spotlighting her as a role model for aspirants nationwide.
A Legacy of Service Runs Deep
Yangki’s inspiration to serve stems from her family’s deep-rooted commitment to public service. Her late father, Thupten Tempa, was a respected IAS officer and former minister in the Arunachal Pradesh government, while her mother, Jigmi Choden, retired as Secretary in the same administration.
Growing up in a household devoted to governance and people’s welfare, Tenzin developed a passion for nation-building early on. In 2017, she cleared the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) exam — a stepping stone that set her on the path to the UPSC.
Resilience, Representation, and Role Model
Breaking into the country’s top civil services is never easy, especially for candidates from remote regions. Limited resources, connectivity challenges, and social expectations often discourage aspirants — but Yangki’s story defies those odds.
Her success stands as a powerful message: that determination, discipline, and dedication can transcend geography and circumstance. By becoming Arunachal Pradesh’s first woman IPS officer, she has not only shattered a long-standing glass ceiling but also opened the door for many more to follow.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For the young women of the Northeast — and indeed, across India — Tenzin Yangki’s achievement is more than a personal milestone; it’s a symbol of hope and empowerment. Her journey underscores that true strength lies in service, courage, and the will to rise against limitations.
“Tenzin Yangki’s success reminds us that barriers are meant to be broken. Her story will echo in every corner of India where a young girl dreams of wearing the uniform,” said a senior IPS officer from the region.
