Annie Shiva: A Remarkable Journey from Abandonment to Sub-Inspector

From Abandonment to Empowerment: Annie Shiva's Journey of Resilience and Triumph

HER STORY

8/14/20232 min read

Annie Shiva, a resident of Kerala, faced a challenging journey that began at 18 years old when she decided to marry her boyfriend against her family's wishes. She was a first-year sociology student at KNM Government College in Kanjiramkulam, Kerala, at the time. Soon after, she gave birth to a son, but her husband abandoned both her and their infant child, leaving her to navigate life's difficulties alone.

Annie reached out to her family for help, but she was met with rejection. Determined to provide for her son and herself, she faced numerous obstacles over the next 14 years. She found temporary shelter with her grandmother while she completed her college exams. To support themselves, she took on various jobs, including selling curry powder, working as an insurance agent, and even selling lemonade and ice cream in Varkala, where she later moved with her son.

Despite the challenges, Annie's resilience and determination shone through. She decided to pursue her dream of becoming a police officer after a relative suggested it to her. She diligently prepared for the exams, dedicating over 20 hours a day to study. In 2014, she took the constable and sub-inspector exams, earning a position as a constable in 2016. However, her aspiration to become a sub-inspector seemed distant due to the scarcity of female officers in the state.

Annie's perseverance paid off when, after years of hard work and dedication, she was offered the role of sub-inspector at the Varkala police station on June 25, 2021. Her journey from being abandoned by her family as a young mother to becoming a sub-inspector is a source of inspiration for countless women across the country. Throughout her journey, she faced societal judgments and inappropriate advances as a single woman, but she didn't let those setbacks deter her from her goals.

Annie's story is one of triumph over adversity, embodying the spirit of determination and empowerment. Her unwavering resolve to overcome challenges, pursue her dreams, and create a better life for herself and her son serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved with resilience and hard work.