New Delhi: On May 31, 2025, as the sun set on a long and illustrious career, Prashant Kumar, one of India’s most decorated IPS officers, stepped down as the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh. But he did not leave quietly. His farewell message - a deeply personal and dignified note shared on X - left a powerful imprint on the hearts of many across the force and beyond.
 

“This isn’t just a farewell,” he wrote. “It’s a moment to pause, to reflect, and to thank each one of you for walking alongside me in this extraordinary journey of service.” In a few lines, Kumar conveyed not only his gratitude but also the emotional weight of a life dedicated to public duty.
 

"From the very first day in uniform to this moment of parting, I have lived each day with a single purpose - to serve the people, uphold justice, and stand by my force. What we do is not just a job, it is a calling. And I have been privileged to respond to that call with all of you by my side," he wrote in his letter.
 

A 1990-batch IPS officer of UP cadre and hailing from Bihar, Kumar is known for his steely resolve, strategic thinking, and operational excellence. During his tenure in Uttar Pradesh, he led over 300 operations against criminal and extremist elements, commanding immense respect within the policing fraternity. He is the recipient of four President’s Gallantry Medals and 109 official commendations - a feat that places him among the most decorated IPS officers in the country.
 

The successful execution of Mahakumbh 2025 - the world’s largest spiritual congregation, which witnessed over 65 crore pilgrims taking a holy dip at the Sangam - stands as one of his most remarkable achievements. Under IPS Kumar’s leadership, the UP Police navigated the monumental challenge of crowd control while ensuring seamless law and order.
 

Ahead of the Mahakumbh, Bureaucrats India had the privilege of speaking with him about the extensive preparations underway. 

The true measure of Kumar’s leadership lay not just in medals, but in his ability to inspire a force. In his parting note, he called upon officers to continue upholding discipline, integrity, and professionalism - values that had defined his own career. “To the constable who stood in the pouring rain to manage traffic, to the officer who cracked a case through sleepless nights, to the teams that innovated - you are the true soul of this force. I have only been a thread in the grand tapestry of Uttar Pradesh Police, and yet, you made me feel like its fabric."
 

"In these years, we have faced tragedy, triumph, and transformation together. We modernized policing, tackled cybercrime, responded to crises, and most importantly, restored faith. Faith of the citizen in khaki. And that, to me, is the greatest medal I carry into retirement," he wrote in the letter.
 

As he walks into retirement, Kumar leaves behind a blueprint for leadership in uniform: lead with courage, serve with humility, and exit with grace. In a state that has long wrestled with complex law and order challenges, his tenure will be remembered as one that combined firm action with a quiet, unwavering sense of purpose. "I leave this post with no regrets, only pride. I may no longer wear the stars on my shoulders, but I will always carry the spirit of the force in my heart. And as I step into a quieter chapter of life, my prayers, respect, and unwavering support will always remain with each one of you." Kumar added.
 

He was also recognised in Bureaucrats India's prestigious list of Top 24 Changemakers of 2024 - a reflection of his enduring impact on governance and public service.


 

Prashant Kumar’s final message wasn’t just a goodbye. It was a call to continue - with honour.
 

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— Prashant Kumar IPS Retd (@PrashantK_IPS90) June 1, 2025

BI Bureau