In January 2019 while skipping through my morning daily I came up with a news item indicating that a brilliant young person who had shone exceedingly well in the Civil Services Exams just a few years back had decided to quit, citing certain social issues as reason for disillusionment with the services.The news came as a bit of shock to me.

I have been fortunate for being a part of bureaucratic setup in a cadre which offered postings in more than one  State and Union Territories. Moreover being offspring of a civil servant, in one of the largest States in the country, I have also been witness to the all pervasive presence of civil services during my father’s service tenure. Over my formative years I had developed a feeling that Civil Services were the only option for a person who desired to be always in the main stream of events and it was the vehicle which helped growth of  those who nourished a hunger for contributing to the maximum extent in the task of doing public good

Later while being in Civil Services the perception which had persistently grown within was that Civil Services touch lives of so many of people that one can always look back with contentment about achievements in hardest postings and most challenging environment.In other words if anyone wants to be a part of process of change there was no option but to join Civil Services.In fact it was this perception which had attracted bright young men and women with diverse professional qualifications, including the young man in question to the Civil Services. However I also felt that everyone has a right to decide about his life and career matters and we can only wish good luck to the young man who has decided to quit in support of his convictions.

 My feeling of gloom was however short lived . Shortly thereafter I received a message for attending a book launch on 10th January by Mr.Suresh Prabhu a Central Minister at Nehru Museum Auditorium New Delhi.The book titled “100 ideas to Improve Governance in India ” has been authored by Mr. JK Dadoo an ex IAS from AGMUT cadre. (AGMUT stands for Arunachal, Goa Mizoram and Union Territories ). The career of the author has spanned postings offering varied experiences at senior and junior level . In fact it appears to be a true example of potential offered by Civil Services to young men and women to shine and make impact in multiple postings with extremely varied environments.His success all over his career reinforced my perception of the glorious opportunity offered by a career in Civil Services for making contribution in varied sectors all over the country .

Book Launch by the Hon’ble Minister

Mr. Dadoo who had been in Civil Services since early 80s had a background of impeccable academic credentials as alumni of St. Columbas School & St.Stephens College Delhi and one of the premium Management Schools beside periodic stints at business schools outside the country.The Civil Services no doubt offered him an ideal platform for growth. While presenting the book to readers the author has explained how the material came up from experience gained from his assignments on key posts in various sectors .

Key note address by the author

The author has shared knowledge in form of compilation of short notes suggesting reforms for varied sectors spread over topics such as taxation, commerce, technology, health sectors etc.The book touches on subjects as wide as Rationalisation of Tax rates to Development of Artificial Intelligence for face recognition.The author seems to possess exceptional ability for having been able to find time for futuristic ideas such as Use of Drones for Medical Assistance in Remote areas and Promoting Sperm Banks with Modern Technology with equal adeptness.

Having opened the book an interested reader is inclined to complete it in one sitting. As the Author has himself suggested it is also very useful piece of compilation for persons appearing for interviews in Civil Services as core issues on so may contemporary topics are discussed.While the book launch also provided excellent opportunity for interacting with stalwarts of AGMUT cadre including Mr. Shakti Sinha an Ex IAS of AGMUT cadre now at helm of Nehru Museum- another example of Civil Servants shining in varied sectors, I also felt vindicated over my perception on importance and role of Civil Services.