By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| The conferment of the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) on Sajid Farid Shapoo, Additional Director General, Department of Defence Production, on the occasion of Independence Day 2026, recognises a career marked by courage, professional excellence, integrity and an enduring commitment to public service.

A 1998-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Dr. Shapoo has built an impressive record across policing, internal security, anti-Naxal operations and specialised armed forces. His distinguished career reflects a combination of operational experience, administrative leadership and academic expertise in security and international affairs.

Dr. Shapoo is presently serving as Chief Vigilance Officer of BEML, where his experience in law enforcement and security administration brings a valuable perspective to vigilance and institutional integrity. His role comes at an important juncture for public sector organisations, where transparency, accountability and robust systems of governance remain central to strengthening public confidence.

Before moving into his present assignment, Dr. Shapoo served in several important positions in Madhya Pradesh. He was Inspector General of Law & Order, Inspector General of Anti-Naxal Operations and, most recently, Additional Director General of Special Armed Forces. These assignments placed him at the forefront of some of the most demanding responsibilities involving public order, internal security and operational preparedness.

His service has been recognised with some of the highest honours in policing. Dr. Shapoo has twice been awarded the President’s Police Gallantry Medal for acts of exceptional bravery. He has also received the Police Medal for Meritorious Services and the Home Minister’s Meritorious Service Medal, underscoring both his courage in the field and his sustained contribution to public service.

His professional journey is further distinguished by a strong academic foundation. Dr. Shapoo holds a Ph.D. in Security Studies from Princeton University and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, where he specialised in the Middle East and International Security Policy. His academic exposure to international security issues complements his extensive practical experience in India’s internal security environment.

The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service therefore represents more than an individual honour. It acknowledges a career that has combined operational courage, intellectual depth, administrative responsibility and institutional leadership. From challenging assignments in areas affected by security threats to senior responsibilities in the police and defence production ecosystem, Dr. Shapoo’s trajectory reflects the evolving nature of public service in contemporary India.

His present responsibility as CVO at BEML adds another significant dimension to this journey. Vigilance leadership requires independence, institutional sensitivity and an unwavering commitment to ethical governance. Dr. Shapoo’s extensive experience in policing and security positions him well to contribute to strengthening systems of transparency, compliance and accountability.

As India marks its 80th Independence Day, the recognition of officers such as Dr. Sajid Farid Shapoo highlights the continuing contribution of public servants who work across diverse domains to safeguard national interests and strengthen institutions. The PSM bestowed on him is a fitting recognition of distinguished service and a career dedicated to the security, integrity and service of the nation.

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