Varsha Kumari Mistry, a Forensic Practitioner with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), was among several diaspora activists conferred with an honour for community service in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours list this week.
The Met officer’s Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) came in recognition of services to “Diversity and Inclusion in Policing and to the Hindu Community” in London and Greater London.
Mistry said: “I’m incredibly humbled by the proposers of this most kind nomination. This recognition comes as a truly overwhelming and unexpected surprise.
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“It’s been fulfilling to draw on the universal values of Sanatan (Hindu) Dharma to serve the Met Police and our communities, whilst bringing them closer together.”
The Met Police praised Mistry for immersing herself in her role within forensics when she joined the Met in 1983, and has spent her service driving diversity, inclusion and engagement within her community and the MPS through her influential role with the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association (MPHA). She was the first Indian woman to achieve MPS Fingerprint Expert status and has examined crime scenes for serious crime, murder and counter-terrorism.
Mistry has been instrumental in leading inclusion and diversity in police recruitment, developed crime prevention initiatives, improved community engagement and launched fundraising projects, as well as organising over 200 local, national and international events,” the Met said.
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“The community, officers and staff benefit from her enhancing a sense of belonging, drawing on gems of Hindu wisdom in striving for gender parity, building confidence and encouraging progression, while inspiring others through presentations and networking. She instils pride and is a visible positive role model,” it added.
According to the force, the MPHA and the MPS have grown together, striving to seek out a more inclusive and cohesive relationship with hard-to-reach communities, none of which would be possible without Mistry’s hard work and dedication.
