Mohd Yaseen
In a world where individuals often find themselves torn between passion and profession, Rakesh Jamwal stands as an exemplary figure who has successfully managed to balance both. His journey is a unique blend of dedication to his duties as a police officer and an undying passion for music, poetry, and art. A celebrated singer, poet, lyricist, and composer, yoga expert, Jamwal has made his mark in the field of Dogri music while simultaneously serving the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) with distinction. His story is one of perseverance, discipline, and a deep love for his cultural roots.
Throughout his journey, Rakesh Jamwal credits his family as the cornerstone of his strength and success. Born to Shakuntla Devi and Karan Singh, he draws immense support from their encouragement and values, which have guided him through his life’s diverse paths. His family’s unwavering belief in him provided a firm foundation during challenging times, both in his duties as a police officer and his endeavors as an artist. This sense of familial support has been instrumental in allowing him to pursue his ambitions without hesitation, balancing his roles with confidence and determination. His family’s love and encouragement serve as his anchor, empowering him to continue his mission of service and creativity with passion and purpose.
Rakesh Jamwal’s inclination toward a career in the Jammu and Kashmir Police began during his early school days at the Air Force School. Surrounded by the disciplined atmosphere of the Air Force Men, Rakesh was inspired to join the belt force and serve the community. This dream was cemented during his formative years, where the values of duty, honor, and discipline were instilled in him.
However, his early life was not just about duty; it was also about discovery. Rakesh’s natural inclination toward music surfaced at a very young age. He began singing at the tender age of three, impressing those around him with his innate talent. Throughout his school years, he was consistently awarded the “Best Singer” title, a testament to his exceptional abilities. Music became an essential part of his identity, and his school years laid the foundation for his future in the arts.
While his passion for law enforcement grew, Rakesh never let go of his love for music. During his college years at Government Degree College (GDC) Udhampur, he had the privilege of learning the nuances of Dogri singing under the guidance of Kuldeep Singh Jandraiya, a renowned figure in the field. Rakesh credits Jandraiya for shaping his understanding of traditional Dogri music and helping him hone his craft.
Additionally, Madam Jasbir Kaur in his school times recognized Rakesh’s potential and played a significant role in nurturing his musical abilities. She encouraged him to explore the depths of his talent, allowing him to blossom into a refined artist. Further guidance came from Prof. Bhushan Lal Kaul, the Head of the Music Department during his college years. Kaul’s mentorship provided Rakesh with the technical skills and artistic insights that would later define his career as a singer and composer.
Rakesh’s commitment to his duty as a police officer was evident during his training days at the Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy (SKPA) Udhampur in 2008. His dedication and leadership abilities earned him the title of “Best Outdoor” during his training, as well as the accolade of “Best Allround (Second).” These achievements marked him as a standout cadet, setting an example for others to follow.
It was during this time that he caught the attention of senior officers, including SSP Jammu, Sunil Gupta. Gupta, himself an artist in many respects, appreciated and encouraged Rakesh’s artistic talents. Their mutual respect for the arts led to a collaborative effort later in their careers to use art as a tool for social change.
As a police officer, Rakesh has served in various capacities, including Chowki Officer in several locations like Chowk Chabutra, Digiana, Pouni Chak, and Industrial Estate Kathua. He later took on the role of Station House Officer (SHO) at Kana Chak, Arnia, Jhajjar Kotli, Dacchhan, and Batote, and currently serves as the SHO of Pacca Danga Police Station. Throughout his service, Rakesh has displayed an unwavering commitment to law enforcement, while also finding ways to channel his artistic passions into his work.
Rakesh Jamwal’s talents extend beyond singing. He is a skilled poet, lyricist, composer, and instrumentalist, with proficiency in playing the harmonium, dholak, and Casio. His ability to compose and perform original music has made him a sought-after artist in Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural circles.
His artistic talents have earned him accolades, including the “Best Music Award” for three consecutive years at the Intra District Theatre Festival, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages in Udhampur district. These awards reflect his dedication to preserving and promoting Dogri music, as well as his ability to fuse traditional elements with contemporary styles.
Rakesh is also the founder of Pancham Beats Musical Group, a collective that has worked extensively with the Indian Army to bring the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir to audiences across India. His group has performed in prestigious events in cities like Pune and Mumbai, earning recognition and appreciation for their efforts in showcasing the music and culture of the Union Territory.
Pancham Beats has been instrumental in promoting Dogri music beyond the borders of Jammu and Kashmir, helping to raise awareness of the region’s unique cultural identity. The group’s collaborations with the Indian Army have further cemented Rakesh’s reputation as an artist who is deeply committed to both his craft and his community.
In addition to his artistic and professional achievements, Rakesh is a strong advocate for yoga and wellness. He believes in the transformative power of yoga, not just for physical health but for mental clarity and emotional balance. In 2000, he was crowned Mr. Udhampur in Body Building. Rakesh has conducted numerous yoga sessions and other awareness sessions in various schools and colleges, covering topics such as drug abuse, cybercrime, traffic safety, and moral education, helping students build resilience and focus in their lives. His efforts in promoting yoga align with his broader mission of using creative and holistic approaches to address the challenges faced by society.
Whether on stage or in uniform, Rakesh continues to inspire those around him, showing that it is possible to pursue one’s passions while fulfilling one’s responsibilities to the community. His journey is far from over, and as he continues to serve both his art and his profession, the people of Jammu and Kashmir can look forward to more contributions from this multi-talented individual.
(The writer is a National Scholarship and Fellowship holder from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India)
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