“When the uniform changes, their spirit of service will never have to.” While some careers end with retirement, there are lives where retiring is merely a new beginning. Dr. Anil Samota is a prime example of this.
His life for over 36 years was dedicated to the khaki, the process of policing, the needs of investigation, the duties of command, and most of all, the duty to serve society. Today, the uniform has been exchanged for books, research, poetry, and a desk for writing. But the service-oriented spirit did not wane.
Dr. Samota was born in 1965 in Dinod village of Haryana’s Bhiwani district and started his schooling in a village school. His life story, from his humble roots to the Delhi Police and then into the field of law, research, and literature, shows his passion for learning and development throughout his life.
A Life of Learning
Dr. Samota completed his B.Sc from Bhiwani Vaish College and B.Ed. from Kirori Mal College and then joined the Delhi Police. He never stopped his academic career for any of his professional duties. During his police service, he pursued an MBA from IGNOU, LL.B from the University of Delhi, LL.M. from Kurukshetra University, and an MA in Hindi and MA in Environmental Education from Kurukshetra University. Later, his professional experience became academic research, leading to a Ph.D. in Management from Amity University that focused on economic offences.
Education was not Dr. Samota’s only interest. Every subject provided him with a new lens for appreciating others, society, and the struggles he faced as a professional. Learning should not be restricted by age, designation, or profession; no experience is too old to learn or too new to be original.
During more than 36 years of service with the Delhi Police, Dr. Samota was exposed to many challenging fields of policing. He was a Station House Officer at various police stations, Sub-Divisional Officer at Connaught Place, and rendered many hours of service in the Economic Offences Wing, where he handled investigations. Economic crime can be highly complex and require a range of documents, companies, financial transactions, and decisions. They must be investigated with patience, analytical skill, and knowledge of law and finance.
This experience was later manifested in his book “Economic Offences” (2025), published by Prabhat Prakashan. For excellence in police station management, he received a trophy and certificate of appreciation from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, for his work in policing. He has also been awarded the “Bhiwani Gaurav Samman” from Bhiwani Parivar Maitri Sangh.
From Officer to Writer
In July 2025, Dr. Samota retired as an Assistant Commissioner of Police. His retirement was more of a change than an end for him. The writing desk took over the place of the police station. After years of professional observation, research, articles, and poetry were beginning to emerge.
He is currently engaged in reading, writing, research, and the study and writing of Hindi literature. His research papers have been published in academic journals, and his articles and poems have been published in many magazines and periodicals. “Pravahika,” his upcoming Hindi poetry book, is also coming out with Prabhat Prakashan.
One of the strongest links that unite his two worlds is perhaps “Abhimaan Mera,” a song penned by Dr. Samota and also the official anthem of Delhi Police. Policing taught me to be a very close observer of people and society; writing gives me a chance to reflect on what I have seen.
In Conversation with Dr. Samota
What does the word ‘khaki’ mean to you?
Dr. Samota: To me, Khaki is the Aan, Baan and Shaan of our nation, a symbol of honour, duty and service. Wearing it means carrying the responsibility to protect and serve society with humility, discipline, courage and resilience. It is not just a uniform; it is a commitment to the nation.
How did you develop an interest in economic crimes?
Dr. Samota: My journey into the world of economic crimes was fueled by a deep-seated curiosity and a desire to make a difference. Over time, my career experiences opened my eyes to the complexities and nuances of financial and legal systems, igniting a passion for understanding and addressing these critical issues. This heartfelt commitment has driven me to explore this field academically, with the hope of contributing positively to society.
After more than 36 years in the Delhi Police, what inspired you to take up writing, and how has this journey been for you?
Dr. Samota: Writing has been a natural continuation of my journey of learning, observation and service. After years of witnessing people, society and life closely through the lens of policing, I felt the need to reflect on those experiences through words. Today, writing gives me a new way to learn, express and contribute to society.
What message would you like to share with our readers?
Dr. Samota: Serve with integrity, lead with courage, and stay grounded in your values. Let your success be measured not by what you gain, but by the difference you make to society and the nation.
The multifaceted life of Dr. Samota
Dr. Samota’s life revolves around learning, observation, discipline, and service. While he no longer wears the khaki uniform every day, these values remain deeply ingrained in his life.
His story is a gentle reminder that retirement does not necessarily mean the end of one’s contribution. Some officers leave the police force, while others pursue a different calling.
Dr. Samota chose to make the written word his form of service. Service does not cease at retirement; it simply transforms its nature.
