Shimla
Celebrating the independence of the country, the view of this time was special on the historic ridge ground of Shimla. At the age of 92, every person present in the ceremony was surprised when the former Director General of Police (DGP) of Himachal Ratti Ram Verma was shocked. Seeing the enthusiasm of their energy and patriotism, the audience kept on cheering them. For several minutes he kept dancing with the artists and everyone’s eyes were on them.
The district level Independence Day celebrations were presided over by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. When cultural programs started after hoisting the tricolor and parade inspection, the artists introduced the traditional Nati. At the same time, former DGP Ratti Ram Verma sitting in the audience could not stop himself and started getting up and started dancing with the artists. His dance and smiling face made the ceremony even more special. People started making videos of them on mobile and this Nati is being well liked on social media.
Ratti Ram Verma is also fully active and healthy at this stage of age. He is often seen walking on Mall Road in Shimla and having tea-cups with friends at the Indian Coffee House. His contribution in social service also remains continuously. A few years ago he took part in the 3 km race of mini marathon held in Shimla. The race was held to convey a message against drug addiction. Verma had said, ‘Nasha is a sweet poison. The youth should stay away from it, only then Himachal will be able to become drug -free.
Long and respected career
Ratti Ram Verma, a native of Theog in Shimla district, was counted among the favorite police officers of former Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh. In the nineties, he became the DGP of Himachal Pradesh and later also the Chairman of Himachal Public Service Commission. In 2011, he was awarded the Police of the Police of the Year and Life Time Achievement Award. Tales of his working style and honesty are still a matter of discussion in the police department.
Responsible in disaster, donated donation from pension every month
When a horrific monsoon disaster came in the state in 2023, Verma met Chief Minister Sukhvindra Singh Sukhu and resolved to give Rs 10 thousand from his pension every month in the Disaster Relief Fund. He contributed this for a year. This clearly reflects their sensitivity and responsibility towards the society.
Rati Ram Verma’s daughter Tilottama Verma Senior IPS officer of UP cadre
Ratti Ram Verma had two daughters and a son in his family. His daughter Tilotma Verma is a 1990 batch IPS officer and is currently working on a large position in Uttar Pradesh. The second daughter is also an officer. His son Rakesh Verma has been an MLA from Theog, but he died of heart attack in May 2020. Despite this personal grief, Verma kept himself active and associated with social service.
