New Delhi: Haryana Maitri Diwas 2025 was not merely a social gathering; it unfolded as a powerful narrative of identity, leadership and belonging. Held on December 21 at the Delhi Police Mess in Chanakyapuri, the second annual celebration brought together some of the most influential persons from Haryana from the judiciary, politics, administration and public life, united by a shared sentiment captured in the theme “Mhara Haryana, Suthra Haryana & Virasat” — meaning Our Haryana, Clean and Beautiful Haryana, and its Heritage.

At the heart of this thoughtfully curated event was Dr Sagar Preet Hooda, IPS (1997 batch), Director General of Police, Chandigarh, whose coordination lent the occasion both precision and purpose. Known nationally for his reform-driven policing and globally recognised initiatives, Dr Hooda brought to Haryana Maitri Diwas the same values that have defined his career - inclusivity, humility and an unwavering connection with people and culture.

The gathering was graced by eminent personalities including Hon’ble Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and his wife Smt. Savita Kant, Supreme Court Judge Justice Rajesh Bindal, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal Khattar, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta among many others. In a moment that resonated deeply with the spirit of equality the event stood for, Khattar joined fellow attendees in the queue to pay Rs 3,500 registration and luncheon contribution, reinforcing the idea that shared roots transcend hierarchy.

The programme opened with traditional welcome and ceremonial lamp lighting. Cultural vibrancy took centre stage through performances by the Haryana Lok Kala Sangh, whose folk dances - performed in colourful traditional attire - captured the rhythm, resilience and joy of rural Haryana. The Sangh also curated a striking exhibition of paintings portraying village life, festivals, folk motifs and traditional dress, alongside rare artefacts and historical utensils that offered guests a nostalgic walk through Haryana’s virasat.

For Dr Hooda, the cultural anchoring is deeply personal. Born on August 30, 1969, in the small village of Jindran in Haryana, his journey from rural beginnings to institutions like the London School of Economics and Harvard University reflects both aspiration and rootedness. A gold medallist and PhD in Sociology from Panjab University, an MSc in Disaster Mitigation, and a former faculty associate at JNU, he represents a rare synthesis of policing, academia and administration.

After clearing the civil services examination twice and joining the Indian Police Service in 1997, Dr Hooda went on to build a spotless 28-year career across Chandigarh, Delhi and Arunachal Pradesh. As SDPO in Chandigarh, he initiated Samvaad to strengthen police–public connect. As Additional DCP in North-West Delhi, his PARIVARTAN - a women safety initiative led to an 8% reduction in sexual assault cases over five years, earning international recognition including the Webber Seavey Award from IACP, USA, ISO 9001:2000 certification, and UNDP–UN Women acknowledgment as a best practice.

His leadership extended beyond policing into national policy-making during his tenure in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, where he played a key role in initiatives like Khelo India, TOPS and the new Sports Code. In later roles as Joint CP and Special CP in Delhi, and as IGP in Arunachal Pradesh, he handled riot investigations, violent agitations, elections, farmers’ protests and global events like the G20 Summit with calm authority and fairness.

As Special Commissioner of Police (Operations and Intelligence), Dr Hooda delivered measurable governance outcomes — reducing passport verification timelines, halving PCC and character verification periods, strengthening emergency response systems, and expanding citizen outreach through initiatives like Yuva, We Care and the Student Police Cadet programme.

These professional achievements formed an unspoken backdrop to Haryana Maitri Diwas 2025. The release of a book documenting the Haryana Maitri Sabha’s work, the informal interactions among dignitaries, and the shared luncheon featuring authentic Haryanvi cuisine all reflected a belief Dr Hooda has long embodied: that true leadership lies not only in command, but in connection.

Awarded the President’s Police Medal in 2013 & 2025, and counted among the country’s most respected police leaders, Dr Sagar Preet Hooda continues to be defined by a simple yet powerful identity - an officer who carries Mhara Haryana, Suthra Haryana in both his vision and his work. 

BI Bureau