Kolkata43 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
He wears the Kolkata Police uniform, but there is no rank on his shoulders. Officially, Souradeep Das is a Civic Volunteer, whose primary responsibility is to assist police personnel. Yet inside Kolkata Police training facilities, his role is remarkably different. He trains recruits, constables, sergeants, sub-inspectors, and inspectors in physical conditioning.
His journey began with a different dream
Souradeep joined Kolkata Police as a Civic Volunteer in 2017 and initially served at police stations including Netaji Nagar and Golf Green. By then, bodybuilding had already become an important part of his life. His passion for the sport began in Class IX, when he started participating in bodybuilding competitions while still in school.
A chance meeting changed his journey
During one such competition, he met Sub Inspector Tarun Das, an encounter that would eventually become part of his journey with Kolkata Police. Even after joining the department, Souradeep continued competing and began representing Kolkata Police at state and national bodybuilding events. Over the years, he won gold, silver and bronze medals, bringing recognition to the department through the sport.
Training academy became his turning point
The biggest turning point came in 2021, when Souradeep was sent for refresher training at the Kolkata Police Training Academy in Howrah. His physical fitness and performance caught the attention of Mehmood Akhtar, IPS, then Joint Commissioner of Police, Training. Instead of seeing him only as a Civic Volunteer, the department recognised another ability he possessed and gave him an opportunity to train as a drill instructor.
From Civic Volunteer to Police training instructor
Under the guidance of Sepoy Basanta Mahato, Souradeep underwent drill instructor training with Kolkata Police. The opportunity changed the direction of his career. The man who had joined the force to assist police personnel was now preparing to train them himself.
His responsibilities continued expanding within police
Souradeep gradually began training Kolkata Police recruits and personnel of different ranks in physical fitness and bodybuilding. He was later associated with gym and fitness training at the Police Training School, specialised force training facilities, combat centres and battalions. At the Police Training School, Kumar Bhushan Singh, IPS, recognised his abilities and entrusted him with responsibilities as a bodybuilding and fitness instructor.
Medals strengthened his place within police
His achievements in bodybuilding further strengthened his position. Souradeep represented Kolkata Police at the All India Police Bodybuilding Championship and secured notable rankings in 2023 and 2024, including a second place finish at an All India National Police Bodybuilding Championship. He also represented Kolkata Police at the Bengal State Olympics in Malda, where he won a gold medal.
He trains those above his designation
But perhaps the most unusual part of his journey begins after competitions end. He returns to the gym and trains people who wear the ranks he himself does not have.
Souradeep has trained recruits, constables, sergeants, sub-inspectors, inspectors, Home Guards, and Civic Volunteers. He has also trained personnel from central forces when they come to Kolkata on deputation. His role may officially be that of an assistant, but his expertise in physical conditioning has earned him responsibilities beyond that designation.
Ability matters more than a uniform
A Civic Volunteer does not hold the rank of a police officer or carry the authority associated with a police rank. Yet when it comes to physical conditioning, personnel from different ranks turn to Souradeep for guidance. For him, there is no contradiction. It is the result of years of discipline, training and experience.
His biggest dream remains still unfulfilled
Despite everything he has achieved, Souradeep’s journey remains unfinished. His biggest dream is to receive proper recognition from the department and eventually become a constable. His ambition goes further. He wants to prepare himself for the Commando and prove that his present designation does not have to define his future.
Financial struggles never stopped his ambition
The journey has not been financially easy. As a Civic Volunteer, Souradeep receives an honorarium of around ₹10,000 a month and has also worked as a Rapido rider to support himself financially. But neither financial difficulties nor the limitations of his designation stopped him from training, competing or teaching others.
His police connection runs through family
Souradeep’s connection with Kolkata Police also runs through his family. His father is a retired ministerial staff member of Kolkata Police and was also a professional footballer who played for the Kolkata Police Athletic Club.
His story challenges common Civic Volunteer perceptions
Souradeep’s story challenges the way Civic Volunteers are often perceived. A uniform may look the same from a distance, but the person wearing it can carry abilities, ambitions and years of hard work that are not immediately visible.
“People have a very different mindset about Civic Volunteers. But not all Civic Volunteers are the same. Don’t judge a book by its cover,” Souradeep says.
His commando dream still lies ahead
For Souradeep Das, the dream of becoming a commando is still ahead. But he has already achieved something remarkable. A Civic Volunteer without a rank on his shoulders has earned a place inside the training grounds of those who wear them, proving that sometimes, a person’s ability can speak louder than the designation written on his uniform.
