"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#IAS Officer

Positive Reads

National Civil Services Day 2025: Tracing the Journey from Colonialism to Commitment!

The Indian Civil Service (ICS), once dubbed the “steel frame” of the British Empire, wasn’t built to uplift, it was designed to dominate. The exams? Held only in London. The officers? Mostly British. And the work? All about collecting taxes. Indians were allowed in, but only a rare few, after jumping impossible hoops. It was a system of power, privilege, and distance, far removed from the idea of public welfare. Civil servants back then were rulers, not representatives.The Evolution of India’s Civil ServicesThen came 1947, freedom and a chance to rewrite the script. India didn’t dismantle the civil service, it reimagined it. The ICS became the IAS. The empire’s gatekeepers became the nation's change agents. Enter the UPSC, a democratic, transparent, and merit-based selection system that opened doors wide for all Indians. No London trips, no elitism. Just hard work, grit, and the drive to serve. Exams are now held across the country, in multiple languages, with a focus on inclusion. Today, whether you're from a village in Bihar or a metro in Maharashtra, your dreams matter equally.Civil Services Day is a tribute to the unwavering dedication of civil servants—the backbone of India’s governance. It’s a day to celebrate their vital contributions while also encouraging them to take even greater strides in shaping the nation’s future.The Role Reversal: From Law Enforcers to Nation BuildersBack then, civil servants carried orders. Today, they carry impact. India’s modern-day civil servants are frontline warriors of development. They manage droughts, digitize governance, launch health missions, oversee elections, build schools, and so much more. They work in tribal belts, remote towns, international forums, and disaster zones, with one clear mission: making India stronger, fairer, and more inclusive. Unlike the cold command of the colonial officer, today’s officer listens, understands, and leads with the people at the center.Breaking Barriers: India’s First Civil ServantsFirst Indian to join the ICS (Indian Civil Service): Satyendranath Tagore (1863)First Indian IAS officer post-independence: E.B. JoshiFirst woman IAS officer (independent India): Anna Rajam MalhotrFirst woman IPS officer: Kiran Bedi (1972)These pioneers didn’t just break into the system, they redefined it, inspiring generations to dream beyond barriers.The Soul of Service: Values That Drive Today’s Officers So what really changed? The soul of service. Institutions like the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration don’t just teach rules, they build humane administrators. Civil servants now focus on transparency, accessibility, and accountability. On National Civil Services Day, we celebrate not just a profession, but a purpose. A journey from command to compassion, from control to care, and from being ruled to self-rule.

21 Apr 2025
Positive Reads

Star Citizens

Unbreakable Spirit: The Inspiring Story of IAS Ritika Jindal

From the small city of Moga in Punjab, Ritika Jindal’s brilliance shone through from a young age. Known for her academic excellence, she topped the CBSE 12th Board exams, securing the highest marks in North India. Her academic journey led her to Sri Ram College of Commerce in Delhi, where she pursued her graduation and began her preparations for the UPSC exams in her third year. Facing Family Tragedy During this crucial phase of her preparation, Ritika faced an unimaginable challenge. Her father was diagnosed with oral and lung cancer. Balancing her studies and her role as a caregiver, Ritika often found herself studying in hospital rooms. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, she remained focused on her goal.  First Attempt and Setbacks Ritika's first attempt at the UPSC exams did not go as planned. However, she did not let this setback deter her spirit. With renewed determination, she continued her rigorous preparation, inspired by her father's courageous battle against cancer. In 2019, Ritika's hard work paid off. At just 22 years of age, she cleared the UPSC exams, securing the 88th rank, and became one of India’s youngest IAS officers. Her success was the result of her resilience and dedication, but it came with a heavy heart as both her parents passed away during her IAS training. In an interview reflecting on her journey, Ritika shared, “Seeing my father fighting for life gave me a lot of strength, and I worked hard for the exam.” Her words resonate with the indomitable spirit she embodied throughout her preparation and the challenges she faced. Source: Google Images A New Beginning in Pangi Currently, Ritika is serving as the Resident Commissioner in Pangi, Himachal Pradesh.  Pangi presents its own set of challenges due to its treacherous roads and remote villages. Ritika’s posting in this challenging location highlights her remarkable ability to confront and overcome obstacles, regardless of the circumstances. Ritika Jindal, IAS, UPSC, inspiration, perseverance, Punjab, Pangi, Himachal Pradesh

24 Jul 2024
Star Citizens

From Tailor's Son to IAS Officer: The Inspiring Journey of Nirish Rajput!

The most inspirational people are those who ascend from lowly origins to the highest levels of achievement because they have seen it all and have persevered through it all. IAS Nirish Rajput is one such inspirational success tale, having overcome all obstacles to achieve his objective. Nirish is a Madhya Pradesh native who was raised in poverty. To support the family, his father worked as a tailor. Nirish was committed to becoming an IAS officer even though he was facing financial difficulties. Nirish Rajput was born into a low-income home, with a tailor for a father who struggled to support them, yet he was driven to succeed in the IAS exam and become an officer. A Friend’s Betrayal:  Pushed Him To Go Off Limits ~  Nirish Rajput started working for a close friend who set up a coaching center and offered him a teaching position while he was preparing for the UPSC. His friend however, asked him to leave the teaching facility after two years. Nirish then left for Delhi in an attempt to turn around his destiny. Because his family could not afford the private school tuition, Nirish attended a government school. Nirish later relocated to Gwalior and found work there. He completed his BSc and MSc degrees there in the interim. He then decided to relocate to Delhi to pursue his UPSC dream. To further his preparation, he took study materials from another acquaintance. However, Nirish had to work several part-time jobs, like selling newspapers, to supplement his education because he was struggling financially in Delhi. After three unsuccessful attempts, he managed to pass the UPSC on his fourth try, earning an All India Rank of 370 without the need for coaching. Millions of young people have found inspiration in him since he became an IAS officer. Each of us has a different definition of success. Whatever success means to you, there are several variables that will affect your chances of achieving your goals. This could be a lack of self-control, an inability to decide which course of action to take to reach your objective, or even simply wearing yourself out from having too many ambitions. Different researchers define determination differently. Some people believe that having a strong will to succeed is connected to intrinsic motivation, which is another name for internal motivation. Others believe that grit, a more comprehensive idea, is what resolve is simply one aspect of. In this piece, we'll define determination as the mentality that drives someone to pursue goals by staying on course. Bottom Line ~  You will be less likely to fail in reaching your goals if you have a strong sense of determination for accomplishment. Additionally, studies indicate that you'll be less sidetracked when working toward your objectives. But that doesn't imply you're flawless. You may cling to an objective that is no longer worthwhile. One can also develop determination. Developing a plan, concentrating on yourself, and taking lessons from your errors are a few methods to achieve this. Recall that perseverance is the secret to success, but you are the only one who can decide what door that key opens! The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will— Vince Lombardi

7 Jun 2024
Star Citizens

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