‘You Don’t Look Indian’: IPS Officer Robin Hibu’s Response Wins Over Internet

New Delhi: IPS officer Robin Hibu’s powerful speech on identity and belonging has gone viral, reminding India of its diversity and the challenges faced by northeastern communities.

The Arunachal Pradesh-born Hibu, serving as a Special Commissioner in Delhi Police, spoke about the discrimination he faced when people told him he did not “look Indian.”

Without getting upset, the senior cop delivered a powerful response. He said India is a land of many faces, cultures and ethnicities, and that the northeast is an integral part of the nation.

The video of Hibu speaking with dignity and pride has gone viral across social media, resonating with millions who see his story as a symbol of resilience and unity in the face of prejudice over appearance and identity.

The video clip has garnered millions of views across major social media platforms.

In a resurfaced video from a public event, the 57-year-old cop recalls how people often told him, “You don’t look Indian”. His response: “You do not know our India”.

His heartfelt address has reignited conversations about prejudice faced by people from the northeast and the importance of embracing India’s cultural and ethnic diversity.

Born on July 1, 1968 in Hong village of Arunachal’s Lower Subansiri district, Hibu pursued higher studies at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and earned a Master’s degree in Sociology. In 1993, he cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS), becoming the first IPS officer from Arunachal Pradesh.

In his decorated career, Hibu has held prestigious positions including Special Commissioner of Police in Delhi, Chief Security Officer at Rashtrapati Bhavan and Director General of Police (DGP). He has also been honoured with the United Nations (UN) Peace Medal for Meritorious Services in Bosnia, the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services. He is serving as a Special Commissioner of the Human Resources Division in Delhi Police.

His journey from a small village in Arunachal Pradesh to the highest ranks of the IPS embodies the spirit of determination and unity that India stands for.