Life of an IAS Officer in India

Ambassador Car For Govt. Servants in India

Smugly, with a glint of indomitable pride in his eyes, he sits in a pedantic splendor in the cushy corner of his sofa, keeping his feet (with the modest pair of brown suede) on the plush carpet, reading through his morning papers. His gray hair reeks of experience of the last 9 decades, half of which were spent in the service to the administration of his country. The hint of a tiny smile in his interior confirms that he is every bit satisfied and content with his journey so far and he knows that he has accomplished what he was here to do. This is an esteemed, retired officer of the Indian Administrative Services of his glorious times. Having been a revered and respected officer of the services, this former secretary to the govt of India has every reason to feel this way today.

I sit there on the sofa next to him, skimming through some contemporary fashion magazine, awestruck by the glitter of his still so striking personality and ask him, “Grandpa, you must have visited so many countries as an IAS officer. Did you ever go to England?” As I finish the question I see this knowing smile emerge on his face and he calmly folds the newspaper as though giving me a clue that here comes another interesting anecdote. I sit enrapt and listen to him delve into this time when he had to visit England for some inspection of the offices there and how the officers who were supposed to receive went past him numerous times at the airport and couldn’t identify him because they thought he was an Englishman merely because of his form and colour. I erupt into a laughter visualizing the hilarious scenario. He further explains how he was even more offended at this because he adamantly believed that he was every bit Indian in his blood and spirit.

It is no doubt that the life of an IAS officer is never akin to any other countrymen and yet not much different from them either. It is a life well spent in the same services that make up the administration of the country and they are the backbone of the govt, who are actually responsible for its smooth functioning.  They must possess a certain amount of charisma associated with leadership, accompanied with humility.

Shah Faisal IAS Topper: 2010 Civil Services India

It all starts from the day the exam results are announced and a few lucky ones make it through. That is the day when the labour and toil of many has paid off. It is the day to rejoice and to prepare oneself for a new beginning and a new responsibility. And no, it doesn’t end there. This would just be the beginning. The 3 years of extensive training that every officer has to undergo once they get recruited into the IAS is what lays the foundation of building this new and competent officer of the service. Thereafter it is his duty to serve the nation and to look after the needs and demands of the administration. He is also a legal representative of the nation on many fronts. As an IAS officer there are many privileges and benefits that one gets from the govt, but every officer must make it his duty to think wisely and use them judiciously rather than exploiting them. It is important for him to do that as that is how he sets an example for the rest. Often times, they may be subjected to an unfair judgment, by the people due to a reckless misuse of privileges and misconduct of a few officers. This can be harmful and detrimental to those honest officers who seldom misuse their services or exploit their position unfairly. It is therefore a position of great responsibility and accountability of the resources and funds.

I still remember my grandfather once telling me how he used to go to work on his bicycle even as a senior officer while all his colleagues would make full use of the govt vehicle that was provided to them. He confessed that it no doubt made him stand out like a soar thumb at times but he insisted that the vehicle was not meant to take him to the office but rather it was meant to be used only when the officers had to embark on an official trip outside of the office.

It is also unequivocal that one reason why IAS officers are considered as highly respectable individuals nationwide is because everybody is aware of the level of difficulty in clearing an IAS exam, also called the UPSC exam. To have cleared that milestone itself is a mark of great intellect and perseverance. And hence the nation salutes to these men and women and looks up to them with utmost adulation and respect.