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

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

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Star Citizens

The Incredible Journey of an Acid Attack Survivor Who Excelled Against Adversity

In an inspiring tale of resilience and determination, a young acid attack survivor and the daughter of a peon in Chandigarh has triumphed over adversity and emerged as the top scorer in her school's CBSE Class 10 exams, securing an outstanding 95.02 percent marks. Kafi's journey has been marked by immense hardships. At the tender age of three, she fell victim to a vicious acid attack by neighbors. The attack left her face severely burnt, and she spent the next six years in the hospital, eventually losing her eyesight. Undeterred by these challenges, Kafi embarked on a path of resilience and determination. Through sheer determination and an unwavering spirit, Kafi pursued her studies using the Braille script. Her relentless efforts paid off when she achieved an outstanding academic result. When asked about her dreams, Kafi expressed her aspiration to become an IAS officer, aiming to make her parents proud. Grateful for her accomplishments, Kafi acknowledged the unwavering support of her parents and the guidance of her teachers. She credited her success to their constant encouragement and also mentioned the invaluable assistance she received from YouTube and the internet, which aided her exam preparations. Kafi's father expressed immense pride in his daughter's achievements, pledging unwavering support for her future endeavors. Her mother brimming with joy is extremely proud of her daughter's academic success which has enabled them to hold their head high in society. Kafi's story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the indomitable human spirit and the power of education to triumph over adversity. With her sights set on a brighter future, Kafi is poised to achieve great heights and make a lasting impact on the world.

18 May 2023
Star Citizens

India’s First Visually Impaired IAS Officer Takes Charge in Kerala

Pranjal Patil is India’s first visually challenged IAS officer. She worked as an assistant collector of Ernakulam, Kerala in 2018. It was a proud moment for her when she recently took charge as the sub-collector at Thiruvananthapuram. Initial Challenges Pranjal Patil who hails from Ulhasnagar in Maharashtra lost her vision at the age of six. Yet, she was brave enough to pursue the civil services dream and was successful at it. She was rejected for a job in the Railways due to her disability. However, it only strengthened her resolve and she improved her ranking in the second attempt at the civil services exam which enabled her to secure the post of assistant collector of Ernakulam. This achievement had grabbed headlines in 2018. Never Give Up As Pranjal Patil assumed charge as Sub-Collector in Thiruvananthapuram, she uttered the words, "We should never be defeated and never give up." Patil was extremely glad and proud to take charge of the duties of the sub-collector in Kerala’s capital. Her first day was spent in acquainting herself to the new environment. Assistant Collector Anu Kumari ushered her to her office where she was greeted with bouquets and sweets.  Pranjal Patil is an inspiration for all as she overcomes her visual disability to take on the reins of sub-collector in Kerala. Image Source: iDiva

21 Oct 2019
Star Citizens

This IAS Officer Sets an Example by Walking Ten Kilometers to Buy Local Produce

Ram Singh, an IAS officer is so passionate about good health that he walks 10 km every week to procure fruits and vegetables from the local market. He is posted as the Deputy Commissioner of Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills and he follows this fixed routine that may seem monotonous but involves a lot of walking. Ram Singh reveals that the purpose of walking ten kilometers is to remain fit and inspire others to lead a healthy lifestyle. He is also a crusader for the environment and shuns plastic or paper bags. In its place, he uses a bamboo basket to carry fruits and vegetables. In order to promote the growth of local farmers, he buys only local organic produce. When most people complained about the hassle in carrying loads of vegetables while walking, Singh suggested them to carry ‘Kokcheng’ (a local bamboo basket) which would even help fight the plastic menace. Once he even posted on Instagram that he carried 21 kilograms of organic vegetables without using any plastic or paper bags. Speaking to East Mojo, Singh said that he wanted to set an example for the people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. An added advantage is that one could avoid the traffic issue in town. Being sensitive to the environment, the Deputy Commissioner also prefers to use public transport and doesn’t even shy away from traveling to places in a shared tempo. Even little examples set by common people can inspire many and make a difference. Image Source: MenXP.com

26 Sep 2019
Star Citizens

Retired IAS Officer Strives to Bring a Change

V M Manohar Prasad was a regular visitor of Marlawai village in Telangana due to official and unofficial reasons. After his voluntary retirement from the Indian Administrative Services, he devoted much of his time in the village to set up schools to give quality education to children. The village had anganwadis which were operating as pre-primary schools, but the education imparted to students here was very substandard. The teachers were hardly qualified to teach and a third-grader could barely count numbers. Mothers found this education exercise a futile business and approached Manohar. Manohar realized that there is no concept of pre-primary school under the aegis of the government. Manohar and his wife, Ramadevi soon found great strength among the women in the village who wanted their children to be educated. The retired officers along with the concerned mothers decided to start community governed schools, having seen the futility of government schools.  They collaborated with the Mahila Mandal Samakhya, a women self-help group in the village and entrusted them the task of identifying children between the ages of 3-5 and finding a suitable teacher, preferably woman, for the school. The couple started to work on the whole dynamics of primary education. It was a herculean task to contextualize the subjects for the children in the villages and it took them three years s to put together a proper curriculum. They also made it mandatory for teachers to go through a  16-week foundation course. They didn’t build any concrete schools. Schools were run under a tree, empty cowsheds, community halls or a kind villager would open the doors of his /her home to the children. Sometimes, the Anganwadi workers would allow classes in their premises. After the state of Telangana was formed, Manohar moved to East Godavari and helped set up 54 schools there, the first one being in the Gurtedu region, where he was once held captive by Naxals. Even today, the officer and his wife with the help of donors across the country are able to run the schools which are known as ‘Ma Ooru, Ma Badi’ (My Village, My School).  They now intend to start a residential primary school complex where the students from nearby schools can avail education, as an alternative to government schools. In spite of his tremendous efforts and dedication to set up schools, Manohar modestly asserts that all 54 schools are a result of the efforts of the mothers, women who wanted their children to do something big in life. Image Source: Scroll.in

14 Sep 2019
Star Citizens

Good News

With 10% Vision, IAS Officer Gives 100% To His Job

Aman Gupta, a 2013 batch IAS officer finalized recruitment rules pending for about 30 years in a civic body, made it possible for hundreds of employees to be promoted and leads work on improving the ranking of South Delhi Municipal Corporation in Swachh Survekshan 2018. He is also an IIM graduate. His story is inspiring as he achieved success even with 90% blindness. Gupta suffers from juvenile macular degeneration, a medical condition that is incurable. Over the years, his eyesight became poor. First, he couldn’t see the cursor on the computer; then his eyes couldn’t capture a cricket ball arcing through the air; and soon after he found it difficult to read the text on the classroom blackboard. Finally, he is left with only 10 % vision, but his broad smile hides the pain of not being able to see. The officer of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre, works with the assistance of a stand-mounted American video magnifier that helps the visually impaired read. The way Gupta accepts every challenge in life is exemplary. He failed to clear UPSC in 2012 for which he had prepared with audio books. He devoted more time in 2013 and got a 57th all-India rank in the general category who had completed BTech. He currently holds three important positions — director (personnel), additional director (education) and secretary to the SDMC commissioner. He is very meticulous in his work and has always received praise from his seniors for excellent work. He is the epitome of hard work and dedication in spite of adversity.  

28 Dec 2017
Good News

Young IAS officer guides bright minds on the right path

Dantewada is a tribal dominated district in Chattisgarh where exploits of the Maoists often make headlines. The District Collector of Dantewada, Saurabh Kumar is on a mission to guide the bright young minds on the right career path so that they do not have to go down the path of violence. The 2009-batch IAS officer is quietly helping students by conducting two-hour career counselling sessions, held every Wednesday popularly known as “Lunch with the Collector.” The session is attended by 50-100 students from government schools in the district. Every student speaks about his /her area of interest in studies. Kumar and his team make notes and guide them on the professional courses that they could pursue. Often, even brighter students are not aware of institutes such as IITs or AIIMS. After the counselling session, everyone partakes in a simple lunch of poori, dal, sabzi, salad and papad. Over lunch, the officials in Team Kumar—district judges, district police officers or any other visiting VIP—seek feedback from the students and answer their queries. These sessions help to boost the students’ self-confidence. They derive inspiration from the stories of struggle and competitiveness that the Collector and police officers narrate.    

20 Nov 2017
Good News

IAS officers to adopt families of security personnel martyred in action

The Indian Civil and Administrative Service (Central) Association has resolved that the IAS officers posted as sub-divisional magistrates, additional district magistrates or district magistrates will adopt at least one family of a security personnel, whether they belong to police, paramilitary or military, killed in action to provide them help for at least the next five to 10 years. This has been disclosed by Sanjay Bhoosreddy, the secretary of association.  Bhoosereddy said that it does not mean that the IAS offficer will have to support the family of the deceased financially. There are other ways by which the officer can help like ensuring that the dependants of the martyr get all their dues in terms of money which they are entitled to receive by the state and central government. The officer will see to it that the children of the family he adopts gets good education and ensure that the family gets benefits of all government schemes. The bereaved family are usually at a loss and find it hard to get on with normal life. The care, concern and support of the IAS officer who adopts the family will be of immense help for them to get through he difficult times.

1 May 2017
Good News

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