A tribute to Federer!

Only man other than my dad who has inspired me so much to achieve n become what I'm today.. I have alwayz believed in what my dad told me when I was young.. 'take good inspiration from everywhere'.. And when i look back, i acknowledge that this man was perfect n my constant source of strength during preparation.. I still remember how much confidence i gathered to prepare for the 3rd prelims exam (UPSC), having failed to clear prelims twice..

It really matters a lot to me coz the third time when i appeared, i cleared with unbelievable success.. to clear Prelims in General Category was just unbelievable n to get selection in General Merit was a Dream! 

At some level, I felt that if someone who had 12-13 grandslams already then had to accept defeat and yet go back everytime with a single-minded determination, I thought I should and I did just that.. Thank You Roger Federer!

N just remembered what my bestest fren Pupul Guha gifted me on her visit to #AGSHW.. A photoshopped picture with my love Roger Federer (photoshopped sumtym in winter 2008).. still have it in my purse.. don't know if I have the soft copy Pupul.. love u loads darling for this priceless gift.. n certainly, this guy has inspired me so much!

Biswa Bangla!

Four days flew away in a flicker
N gave this experience memorable..
If not for Providence n His grace
I wouldn't have travelled at this pace..

Life has become wonderful again!
Let me say it again..
Wonderful people make life Awesome!

From the sudden sight of a board showing Shakespeare Sarani to the picturesque view of kali temple seen while on a boat in the mighty ganges;
From the majestic dome of Victoria Memorial Museum to the old charm of a Presbyterian Church in this city that calls me everytym to His fold;
From a beautiful Bengal calling one's senses to enjoy Sunderbans to the folksongs that I enjoyed while on the cruise to Sunderbans resounding Bondhbona (don't tie);
From reading a translated copy of Tagore's Sheshir Kobitha (farewell song) to the old tym English song 'must have been love' I heard while shopping;
From shopping big bindis (@2 per sheet) in red n black to dacca muslin sarees for this Advent Season for mum, akka n myself;
From the best gift in music from the land of sweetness for my daughter (a piano for Blessy papa) to the food we enjoyed at China South in Quest mall;
From the quest of places familiar in visits earlier n hearsay to querying about frenz n my DSE fraternity; 
From being pampered in the airport by the customs community to the engaging discourses about rural Bengal n littoral lives of boatmen;
From mishti doi to bendi poshtho;
From dada to dido..

Enjoyed every bit of the last hundred hours.. There was everything waiting to bring back radiance in my life n i feel grateful to Him than before for these good times.

Enjoyed this independence; the idea of freedom; the element of madness; the bit of intellect; the uniqueness of Bengalis; above all, the feeling of joy!

Enjoyed the company of my bestest friend Dr.Shashikala Ma'am, her tiny tot Raaj, my tallest friend Hirak, his mum n home.. Loved every bit of my stay n will treasure this friendship alwayz dada!

Back from the city of joy n shall alwayz remember the city of joy as Biswa Bangla..
coz certainly Bengal is a world in itself!

Fulfilling.. Promising..

Having seen several SDMs n DMs n Dignitaries

hoist the National Flag at the Official Function..

The Ceremonial charm of Independence Day
Has been a dream since school days..
Lived it again this morning,
A second time this year..

Thankfully, not very far from the last time
after I dreamt and was waiting; Blessed to have

Unfurled the National Flag and delivered the

Independence Day Address for the first time;
Providence Divine! I took the opportunity to

reiterate the opening remarks of the address delivered

by His Excellency The President of India yester evening &

summarized the speech of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India

this morning, in simple Kannada, with hope and optimism..

This place is historic – for it is from here a social philosophy began and thrived, for it hosted what is now popularly referred to as Parliament - way back in 12th century!

This place is amazing – for it gave me endurance to overcome troubled times, for it gave me an opportunity to realize my childhood dreams!

That dream of becoming a Public Servant,

to be responsible and have conviction,

to uphold the Constitution of India and

to contribute my bit earnestly in building
a spirit of nationhood and securing

the rights of equality and dignity of all
Individuals, instilling the pride of being Indian,
and above all - 
the ideals envisaged in the Preamble..

The ideals of Justice - Social, Economic and Political

Oh! I love the order of these words..

This place is promising - for therz a long way to go, for I could feel the emotions..

Felt emotional..

And overwhelming happy..

For being here, in a sub-division

quite far away from the State Capital,

very remote, people say, yet

Basavakalyan is now a place of –

Freedom and Independence!

And when you are free,

it only means you are close to home!

Convocation Address

As an alumnus of
Osmania University College for Women, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana

On August 7th, 2014.

 Good Morning to all! Respected dignitaries on the dais, the teaching and non-teaching staff of Osmania University College for Women and dear juniors, wish you all a happy morning.

 It's been a decade after admission in Osmania University College for Women. Seven years after I graduated from this institution, I feel privileged to come back to a place which is my alma mater. I feel grateful and humbled to be part of this august gathering this morning. This is a place which was a beginning, a place where I received accolades as a student for academic excellence and went on with confidence to become an officer today. This place is special. Undoubtedly, along with the ambience and majesty the campus has bestowed to the OUCW family, this institution played the most critical role in giving me the exposure as to how big institutions work and sustain over years, how important is University Education in shaping the future of young students and the nation and how significant is the role of women in this society and the need for women to march ahead fearlessly in this contemporary world.

 With regards to all the faculty sitting here this morning, especially Dr.Durga Bhavani, who was the first to engage a class in the OUCW for us way back in 2004, to Dr.Shashikala, my Geography Professor who has always been a friend outside the class which was held in the kitchen rooms of this monumental Residency Building, to Dr.Y.L.Srinivas who has been my  closest point of connect with this institution and the world out here ever since I passed out of this college, I take this opportunity to address the students of 2013-2014 academic year as they get set, open their wings and soar to reach the high skies (like the Eagle in one of our English poems).

 As a student of this institution, I consider this morning as a gift from the head of the institution and I thank Prof. B.T.Seetha garu, Principal Ma'am for your kindness to remember old students, to call us dearly and for giving me this opportunity. I am humbled Ma'am. As a young woman, a couple of years senior to students gathered here this morning, I deem it as a responsibility to impress upon your young minds how aspirations/ambitions are important in one's life and why we should strive to give our best endlessly. Born in Khammam dt. of Telangana, graduated from OUCW, Koti I consider this as homecoming and I shall try to address you more freely. Also, at a personal level, I feel that this college is a family for all of us who are women!

 The World is a small place, people often say. Let me tell you that when I look back I realize that joining this college has been a part of larger scheme of events in my life. The college offered a combination I wanted to pursue Graduation studies in, it is certainly the place I had to travel in this journey of life. When I was in the final year of college, an ex-student Mrs.Ratna Prabha, IAS, was the Chief Guest for the Annual day and addressed us recollecting memories from yester years. That day I reiterated to myself that I should become IAS officer, a dream that I had since my childhood. Thanks to my father who impressed upon me that I should become an IAS officer before 25 years of age when I was in II standard. There is certainly more to things than all that meets the eye. I had this privilege of becoming an IAS Officer, and occupying the office of Assistant Commissioner, Basavakalyan (Sub-Collector), Bidar Dt., Karnataka last year, exactly 30 years after Mrs.Ratna Prabha, IAS (who was the first officer to occupy the office after a new sub-division was created in 1983). Currently, she is the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka. Thanks to this college which gave me a senior in a cadre away from home.

 Always remember thoughts of great men and women and bind them close to your heart. In times of trouble or challenge, let the words be a guiding light. In times of success too, let words of great thinkers help you understand the depth of your being and realize the latent potential within you. Believe me, there is always reward for hard work, and huge recognition for selfless zeal in the right direction. We were all witness to watch on the television screens the achievement of a young girl from a remote village of our state of Telangana conquer the Mt.Everest this summer. Congratulate Ms.Poorna, a 13-year old girl who demonstrated that we ought to set our goals on the highest, work passionately and succeed in our lives. Poorna's achievement is an inspiration for all of us. I got a privilege to spend an evening with her last month and during our conversation she said she knew the real meaning of the words 'I shall never fear the unknown' in the last mile of the target and drew courage to conquer the Mt.Everest. She meant she did not fear death as she does not know it. Brilliant Kid, I was left speechless and kissed her!

 Take courage, aim high. Read good books, keep yourself busy. Be passionate and realize life's best that is in reserve for you. Remember the words of Martin Luther King Junior "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity". Rise above shallow thinking and hold your head high. Tagore's lines 'where the mind is without fear' should ring in your minds always.

 As a young woman, passing out from this prestigious institution, walk with pride and dignity. Do tell the world that you want to achieve and show that you can succeed. Come back to your parents and tell them that you are grateful to them for this gift called life. Never forget that Gratitude is the highest form of Culture and never miss an opportunity to say Thanks. Yes, as young people, we ought to be grateful to our parents, for without them we don't exist; to our mentors in school and college, for they gave the best that we should succeed; and above all to our country, for guaranteeing us our rights and the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity.

 Do what you love and love what you do. If there are young students aspiring to enter the civil services and contribute to the nation, I can tell you with conviction that this is a great opportunity to serve and realize the potential within you. The diversity of the job and, the challenges and the diversity of the public you interact with everyday makes the job exciting. Many times I shared with Dr.Y.L.Srinivas Sir over telephonic conversations and Sangeetha Ma'am over Facebook as to how this job is bringing out the potential within me and how it helps me to make a difference and that while work is constant, it is willingness to do what makes an officer different. I love my job totally and this job is worth all the perseverance it demands.

 Let me impress again on you that we ought not to rest but strive to become useful citizens of this country. Aim high and have an extremely positive winning attitude. Try to achieve excellence in whatever you do. A quote on excellence by Dr.Martin Luther King Junior from his book Strength to Love - 'If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michaelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well'!

 As young women, I want you to excel in your lives. Have an ambition and seek first things first. Prioritize your career goals above everything else. Nothing should come in your way to achieve your goals. Having joined in this college, you have already proven that women are not restricted to domestic lives and have a choice to build the future.  Look up to the faculty, take inspiration. Though crimes against women are increasing with every passing day, it is also true that the 21st century has opened up innumerable opportunities for women. The best way to address this sorry state of women in our country is to excel in your careers, use all opportunities and prove that we are second to none. I remember the lines of Henry Van Dyke "Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best". Yes, not only the birds in the forest even the dry leaves can make sounds. In the similar way, all of us have to contribute to make a difference and empower our fellow women. There's is hope of promising future and we ought to own it as our responsibility, take courage and succeed to realize it.

 To end with, make good friends when you are in college for definitely they are more precious than gold or diamonds. Love to mention Pupul Guha, Madhuri Ashok and Akshata Jaiprakash and take this moment to thank you guys for being there with me always. Hit with a sense of nostalgia, I look forward to witness a bright decade starting this year and join the Centenary Celebrations of this prestigious institution in 2024. I sincerely thank everybody for giving me this opportunity to be back in the college campus, and specially for all the warmth Principal Ma'am showed to me. Thank you one and all. 

 Eager to see juniors, Young Women succeed and create new records and bring more honour to their parents and for this institution, I wish all the juniors the very best in your careers and may you succeed in all the endeavours. Wish You a Successful Time. Thank You!

God bless you! 

Willingness to Work!

Willingness to Work!

A senior officer pointed rightly in a conversation yester evening that educating someone is like doing farming. He likened education to farming because in both activities techniques/skills can improve the yield/end result but processes are compulsory and cannot be done away totally or bypassed completely. School education is important because it is undoubtedly a determining factor in the success rate as reflected in many examinations and general analysis of results. Good schooling has a major impact on the future of young students. I also find it appropriate to recollect the words of a Professor[1] who taught us a paper on Rural Development during my Masters Programme at DSE that our country can claim to have succeeded in the field of Education only when a Dalit girl or a Tribal girl or an underprivileged girl child receives quality education at any school across the country during her childhood.

With this background, I feel that being posted in a backward district is a blessing in disguise many times. There is immense opportunity to deliver and needs of the people are genuine. And if officers have zeal to perform and have willingness to work, every path leads to good consequence and every day gives a new opening. It just happened that along with the charge as Assistant Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Basavakalyan, Bidar Dt. I had an additional charge for the last ten months as Commissioner, Basavakalyan Development Board and Providence Divine opened up a new task to take up and deliver.

It began like this..

Last month, Deputy Commissioner, Bidar[2] was contemplating on providing coaching for underprivileged/less privileged students in the district as they are sort of disconnected with the mainstream competitive world. Good initiative in a backward district, he started weekend coaching programme for UPSC aspirants about two years ago. When I overheard this, it immediately occurred to me that in Basavakalyan, a small city, far away from the State Capital (900 kilometres away), BKDB has a good building with 30 rooms and the building was more or less left vacant as there is no occupation or utility. I proposed that we can plan and implement a full residential coaching programme in that building.

In simple, this initiative is a unique foundation programme to motivate the young minds to aspire high. Often called as the Mother of all exams, preparing for Civil Services Examination prepares one to face any exam for the process itself grooms an individual and cultivates the attitude to achieve big results.

My proposal was welcomed; Okayed within no time and schedule for a 48 days foundation course for UPSC aspirants was ready with us. From that moment, all activities happened as if there was some divine intervention (or a philosophical direction that made this city important since the hundreds of years. The Bidar District Office headed by the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Bidar and bolstered by his two young colleagues – the Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Bidar[3] and District Forest Officer, Bidar[4] gave the initial momentum to the entire programme. As Commissioner, BKDB with the utmost and round the clock cooperation of the Taluk level officers (who have proved their merit a couple of months back during the General Elections – 2014), we geared up the city to conduct and run a residential foundation course for 48 days starting from July 15, 2014 to August 31, 2014.

Meanwhile, notification for an examination was out, question papers were set and a test was conducted on July 6, 2014. Close to 400 students appeared for the test and within 48 hours results were out and 50 candidates were shortlisted. This entire exercise of selecting the students was coordinated by the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Bidar with personal interest of the Deputy Commissioner and official support.

During the same time, this building (referred to as Yathri Niwas - Tourist Residence) which was literally left unused for 3 long years was improved and prepared on war-footing basis – a lecture hall was done and made totally anew, patch work at innumerable places, flooring, plumbing, roof leaks were attended, library space created,  dining halls and study halls furnished, CCTVs fixed, notice-boards hanged, and so on. All small repair works were identified and attended round the clock. The end result seemed good and suddenly on July 14, 2014 it seemed as if that the building (which was actually built for tourist accommodation) was actually designed to match the requirements of our programme. As daughter of a Civil Engineer and as someone who watched my father at his work from a vantage point, I strongly feel that the first/initial years after the completion of a structure/project are the best years of the life span of the project. Also, without occupation/utility, no project achieves the target. Though BKDB lost 3 good years, the purpose ahead of us seems to realize the actual worth of the investment made and may be explains the delay too, for it now began with a noble purpose.

The Inaugural Day..

Since, the task is noble, all of us were excited[5] to give beyond our best and arranged it all. The response of the students encouraged us further. They came packed, all set to start off and get something out of the initiative. The programme was inaugurated by Regional Commissioner, Gulbarga[6] – with an impressive speech recollecting school days to tips as to how one should prepare for exams. Highlighting the need to improve proficiency in English language and advocating the relevance of newspaper reading (especially The Hindu), the speech opened up an entire world on ESSAY WRITING to the aspirants. Let me admit, I was bowled out when I came across a Senior Officer who was speaking his mind coupled with Conviction and Experience. Analysis and presentation seemed flawless. Words flowed effortlessly and it seemed as if the clock' hands stopped to move that hour. There was a gradual shift in the tone from a regular inaugural speech to philosophical and intellectual realms of life. Quoting Thomas Campbell, exemplifying reality, he explained with illustrations the Essay topic # 1 of CSE-2010 – Geography may remain the same, history need not. Anecdotes adorned it all. There was poetry in the air as words of Thomas Campbell were recited with ease. I did strongly feel that ‘Well begun is half done’ and the path ahead has direction and purpose defined more precisely with the Inaugural Address.

Ahead of us..

The focus of the programme is to impart self skills to students and create an attitude to face the competitive exams more confidently. The students begin their day with essay writing (evaluation and feedback is done immediately), followed by classes on different subjects and compulsory study hours before dinner. By the end of the course, I hope they have the basic knowledge to built upon and face the competitive exams. Many times students who go to Delhi and attend classes in reputed (advertised well) institutions are lost as there is a clear disconnect between what the students know and what they are taught at coaching centres. It is to bridge this disconnect that we are attempting to go this extra mile. 

For the benefit of students, we have a library within the campus itself. Faculty includes professional people from Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Seniors, Colleagues, Juniors and good friends have promised to extend support by visiting the campus to give motivational lectures and engage the students in some serious sessions too. Looking forward to host them all and may our attempt to give real benefit to the students and train them as they aspire high be successful. I sincerely pray and wish to see the students succeed in their endeavours and become useful citizens of this country.

Sincerely acknowledge..

Thanking Mr.Praveen Kumar IPS who gave the Ten Commandments for students in residential schools (and motivated Ms.Poorna, a 13 year old girl from a residential hostel to achieve the rare feat of becoming the youngest girl ever to conquer the Mt.Everest) and setting high standards for work and service in real terms to all of us who believe are here to render our services to the nation; and to my ever inspiring role-model, my father for cultivating this willingness to work beyond the call of normal duty and my good friend Saumya Pandey di for having faith in me and sending these words of Leo Tolstoy very recently –

Just as one candle lights another
and can light thousands of other candles,

so one heart illuminates another
and can illuminates thousands of other hearts.

---

[1] Dr. H Ramachandran, Professor, Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics

[2] Dr. P.C. Jaffer, IAS Officer of 2003 batch, Karnataka cadre

[3] Mr. Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh, IAS Officer of 2008 batch, Karnataka cadre

[4] Dr. Sunil Panwar, IFS Officer of 2005 batch, Karnataka cadre

[5] https://www.facebook.com/hrkorlapati/posts/10202063810787833

[6] Mr. Amlan Aditya Biswas, IAS Officer of 1997 batch, Karnataka cadre

dreams and contradictions :(

Yesterday’s Ambedkar Jayanthi left me with uneasiness. It also opened unto me newer understanding about inequalities and indifference which permeate everything in our society even in this 21^st century.

Yes, it was April 14^th and is observed as Ambedkar Jayanthi all over the country.

But, it seemed as if it was meant to be celebrated only by the so-tagged Ambedkarites.

Because, nobody gathered at Ambedkar Chowk other than Dalit individuals (except our Sanitary and Health Inspector, City Municipal Council, Basavakalyan who was on his regular duty and certainly, he is quite knowledgeable about the caste names of his superiors and may be tried to prove his devotion towards work, as opportunity came) to pay their respect and show that they possessed a sense of belonging with this man who envisaged the ideals of Justice – social, economic and political; Liberty – of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; Equality – of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.

It is depressing to see that there is neither a sense of solidarity nor an attitude to appreciate differences in the society we live in. More pitiable is the case of non-dalit beneficiaries of reservation (touchables who enjoyed the fruits of positive discrimination either directly or indirectly) who still do not associate or show reverence and deliberately choose (for lack of courage to display their identity or for wisdom that dispelled all fears the communities are believed to have suffered since ages) to stay indifferent on days such as Ambedkar Jayanthi.

Deep-rooted caste system and institutionalized patriarchy are contradictory to the fundamental principles of social freedom and natural justice. In his words, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar remarked that

“On 26th January 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions. In politics, we will have equality and in social and economic structure, continue to deny the principle of one man one value.

How long shall we continue to live this life of contradictions? How long shall we continue to deny equality in our social and economic life? If we continue to deny it for long, we will do so only by putting our political democracy in peril. We must remove this contradiction at the earliest possible moment else those who suffer from inequality will blow up the structure of democracy which this Constituent Assembly has so laboriously built up.”

Dr.B.R.Ambedkar clearly cautioned out as to what peril is bound to occur if contradictions continue to co-exist and what is the future if we consciously snub contemporary social philosophers who voice dissent most moderately and write off the social histories most conveniently (as if it never happened on this soil or as if the truth that it has happened had no anguish associated with it or as if there is no implication in any form on the future of a billion populace).

At this juncture, it is pertinent for us, as a nation-state, to realize that our society and we as a people have failed totally - failed to give the courage to the Dalits to celebrate a more-meaningful and socially inclusive Ambedkar Jayanthi (in a way national festivals or Gandhi Jayanthi is celebrated); failed to build the conviction to rise above the rest in pursuit of Equity and Justice; failed to reduce the contempt of the underprivileged sections in the society and failed to curb the contradictions deliberately by resorting to  indifference towards our fraternity and  apathy about future.

However, there's always Hope!

And We Will Keep Marching!

As Ajja's friend.. On Social Visits!

One of the loveliest days in my life when I experienced the ability to appreciate events from a post modern perspective to evolving as a scholar with words of wisdom from Jnanpith awardee, the source of gyan…  Loved every bit of the last 24 hours!

From 2000 hours IST of 15^th February 2014 (when I reached Hyderabad Last evening) to 2000 hours IST of 16^th February 2014 (when the Spice jet flight I bounded landed safely at Hyderabad International Airport)… What a crazy day has it been!

Attended a senior’s wedding ceremony at Jagannath temple Hyderabad where I bumped into another (though it was a planned destiny) senior from D-School hostel and found a cheerful bhaiyya to befriend with… a lovely couple who attended the wedding of “model couple” and I was opportune to be part of the close gathering called ‘family’ – for Anupama di always called me little sister, though I was tutored by her and we were separated by few years.

Late in the night, to keep the night young and active, found the shoulder of my bosom college friend Mrs. Madhuri Ashok and her little angel Ammullu as we call her fondly shared unending stories with her, about those dreams I had during college days and how every day now turns them to an unimaginable reality… How my father instilled this spirit of public service within me and how courageous an SDM should be while working on field and how friends who understand busy executive lives don’t crib over petty issues because we were friends and connected to each other genuinely without any hypocrisy!

Dynamic plans and random ideas pushed me off to RGIA, Hyderabad in the last minute (someone always accused me of being late…) But being late meant more than anything else because I was with a soul mate and we had missed each other for years – Madhuri, I could not leave your flat early this morning though the clock hands' ticked quite fastly…

Got down the flight, came outside the airport, there was my mentor waiting to take me home to give a sweet surprise to Amma. Social Visits, family obligations/ responsibilities what can make life more meaningful than meeting people and saying that you love them… wish a secret photographer followed me throughout the day when I blushed and felt blessed, literally and metaphorically.

Spoke assertively with my intelligent old friend – Amma giving her reason and logic as to how she has to endure the pain of health issues and telling her how much we want her to be there for all of us.

Rushed from Mandya in the afternoon with a box of Maddur vadas bought from the famous Maddur tiffanys’ only to run and spend little more time with someone special – whom I started admiring lately… URA!

Intellectual and grounded

Rebellious, yet composed!

Words of Gyan with loads of love! This phrase defines his being. Conversing with URA, I was busy contemplating on the words of wisdom while I attempted to consciously memorize and collect each one of them (fortunately, fondness for the person and memory bestowed by The Almighty did the necessary help for this hungry soul).

        From the man who coined the word Thatcherism Mr.Staurt Hall, who is popularly called as 'the god of multiculturalism' to Mr. J.H Patel to Mr. K.R Narayanan to issues like Telangana to Aam Aadmi Party and the intelligent Kejiriwal to emotional issues and psychological victories (challenges succeeded) to health issues – we discussed real stuff!

The loveliest of all was when Dr. U.R.A.’s better half (literally and metaphorically) had commented when she introduced me as Ajja’s friend to their granddaughter Vanya. Too little to be called Ajja’s friend but I really felt loved and became really close to this lovely couple who spent just threescore years in love!

A friend I should never rise to consider myself,

A child I willingly concede to grow under him!

I am literally in a state of awe after having met a man of principles – a man of courage, courage which voices dissent and a man of strength, strength which shows humility and kindness – the strength to love (as Martin Luther King had called it)...

With hands on the masterpiece of the law of the land – The Constitution of India to photographs and awards framed in the home, never knew how quickly time rolled by… Spent a couple of minutes recollecting how Basavakalyan has made me closer to philosophies about life and philosophers who contributed to a Social perspective less appreciated in their own times. Thanks to the small town which blest me to meet this wonderful man and have this great experience!

            I blushed with joy and almost satisfaction to call off this day in Bangalore as I rushed to the Kempe Gowda International Airport at 1830 hours to board the flight scheduled at 1855 hours IST (touchwood, still made it; on time and boarded...)

(Written on board munching cashew nuts manufactured by HARISH Company and remembering the related jokes…. For memories continue to live…) 

Small Initiatives, Utmost Satisfaction!

It was the training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie our alma mater that introduced us to the idea of Shrama Dana as a tool of people’s participation in governance.

The idea saw fruition as a series of Sharma Dana events in the non-descript, historic city of Basavakalyan in Bidar district, around 800 kilometres from Bangalore the state capital.

It began as an attempt to clean up the historical monuments and their environs. But what it achieved was beyond credible – it helped the government in winning over the hearts of the youth, setting up communication channels and sweeping participation of the local people.

An action plan was put into place, after consulting citizens, about the way in which the Shrama Dana programme was to be implemented. When this initiative was discussed with the Deputy Commissioner Dr P. C. Jaffer IAS and Chief Executive Officer, ZP Mr.Ujjwal Ghosh, IAS, they instantly liked it. They supported the idea and gave important directions to make it a success.

Starting from 7th December, 2013 to 11th January 2014, Shrama Dana programme was implemented in Basavakalyan, Bidar in a phased manner over six Saturdays.

It went like this:

1. Every Saturday morning from 0700 hours to 1000 hours was scheduled for the cleanliness drive.
2. 15 Taluk-level officers were identified and assigned as Team leaders. Students of various colleges were to serve as team members.
3. Six different locations were identified for the cleanliness drive ranging from Public Parks, Memorial Sites, and Main Roads to the Old Fort. This was done to sustain the enthusiasm and urge to perform till the end.
4. Each team comprised of a Leader and 2 constant members (1 Revenue staff + 1 Municipal staff), 2 municipal workers, 1 garden labourer from BKDB office. These teams remained constant for all the six Saturdays.
5. Each team was given 10-12 students (students attending the schools/colleges near the identified place of work, from Standard IX to Graduation).
6. Six Chief Guests were invited to boost the morale of the team members and volunteers. These Guests showed great zeal and enthusiasm and contributed immensely by spending quality time. They also did manual work, distributed certificates to volunteers and gave pep-talks to students.
7. After all the work was over, all of us gathered to have delicious brunch while sharing the day’s key learning points.

Key Learning points:

Early morning walks have been solo brain storming sessions for me. These early morning soliloquies seemed to have changed my life. Shrama Dana was one of these early morning ideas that got translated into a successful programme. The key learning points from this Shrama Dana programme are here:

1. Co-ordination is certainly a huge takeaway after every Shrama Dana. Inter-departmental co-ordination beginning from ice-breaking (knowing each other) to discussing official matters was a welcomed consequence at the end of the day.
2. Performance is high when targets are clear, work is organized, and efforts are appreciated in a healthy competitive environment.
3. It felt easy to identify people who work beyond the call of duty. This was important because knowing what job an individual can do best and assigning them such jobs is the best way to do it.
4. Staying in headquarters contributes heavily to the performance at work. Since Shrama Dana is scheduled at early hours, officials and volunteers had no option but to stay in the headquarters. `I am in a meeting’ was often an alibi for officers and employees for not being present for meetings. Our programmes were scheduled at 0700 hours long before the office hours and 99 % attendance was achieved.
5. Integration is a key to success – integration of goals, resources, people and activities is quintessential to achieve success.
6. Cultivating team spirit by positive, goal-oriented activity is not merely in theory, but practically achievable. Generally, people want change and are open to new initiatives.
7. The response of general public was highly encouraging. The Chief Medical Officer of the General Hospital has got the hospital premises cleaned up without much economical costs.
8. When December 24, 2013 was suddenly declared a holiday, SDM office staff volunteered to clean up the office for the first time since the building was inaugurated. Our office personnel have coordinated the cleaning up operations most actively on the holiday.
9. Inspired by the success of the Shrama Dana programme, engineers, contractors and others in the entire construction industry offered a day’s work to beautify the city.

Duties of a Sub-Divisional Magistrate include co-ordination and integration. Having realistic goals and channelizing resources adds immensely to service delivery. One of the best lessons I learnt in my four months as SDM at Basavakalyan is this simple definition of work: “work is what you do and willingness makes all the difference”.

I am also reminded of my UPSC personality test. I told the board my priorities would be to enhance the service delivery mechanism and make it accessible and effective. I said I would provide basic services like sanitation, primary education and qualitative education that will contribute to the welfare of the society. Thankfully, I have this opportunity to do what I thought of and realize my childhood dreams - the dream of delivering social justice to the people at the grassroots level.