Civil Service

Before women had a place in India’s bureaucracy, Anna Rajam Malhotra created one. When told to opt for an “easier” service more suited to women, she stood her ground and chose the IAS. From facing bias in interview rooms to taking on tough field postings, she challenged patriarchy at every step — opening doors for generations of women to follow.

IAS officer Himanshu Nagpal, the chief development officer in Varanasi, initiated a comprehensive groundwater rejuvenation project, notably increasing the water table, improving water availability and reducing waterborne diseases. Here’s how he achieved it.

Armed with dual degrees from IIT Kharagpur, IAS officer Raja Gopal Sunkara used technology innovatively to solve water and power supply challenges in Tamil Nadu's Erode district.

Sot River, once the lifeline of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, lost its natural flow due to decades of encroachment. Here's how IAS Manish Bansal, along with officials and locals, revived the 110-km stretch, restoring water flow and eliminating waterlogging.

In Odisha’s Ganjam district, the Nirikhyana initiative, led by Dibyajyoti Parida IAS, provides free ultrasound scans to rural pregnant women, bridging healthcare gaps and reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. This has helped reduce neonatal deaths to half in just two years.

From reviving forgotten rivers to launching space science education in rural areas, rethinking waste management, and pioneering water conservation during severe droughts — meet five visionary civil servants transforming India with groundbreaking initiatives!

From classrooms and flood-hit villages to forests and city streets, these IAS and IFS officers stepped in where people needed help the most. Their everyday decisions in 2025 changed lives, restored trust, and showed how people-first governance works on the ground.

In Maharashtra’s parched landscapes, former IRS officer Ujjwal Kumar Chavan initiated a transformative water conservation project. Inspired to combat drought, he constructed reservoirs and check dams, increasing water storage across 204 villages. His efforts boosted farmers’ incomes, rejuvenated rivers, and fostered community resilience, demonstrating the power of collective action.

Discover how IAS officer Sandip Jacques expertly managed the St Francis Xavier Exposition by implementing AI technology for crowd control and strategic delegation across multiple departments. His innovative approach ensured the success of the event without any mishaps.

Tripti Bhatt, inspired by a meeting with Dr A P J Abdul Kalam in Class 9, nurtured a dream of serving the nation. From turning down offers from ISRO to choosing IPS over IAS, her journey holds a mirror to what it takes to follow one’s calling.