As we celebrate Civil Services Day, it's not just another day marked on the calendar; it's a moment to reflect on the unparalleled opportunity that this field offers to those who choose this path. Civil service is not merely a career; it's a calling, a chance to shape the destiny of our nation, one decision at a time.

An opportunity to serve and transform

As part of the civil services, you're not just a cog in the wheel; you're an architect of change. From implementing policies that impact millions to addressing grassroots challenges, every day presents an opportunity to make a tangible difference. During my tenure as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), I had the privilege to resolve land issues for Suzlon wind farm, acquire land for NH 6, and tackle the sand mafia. Additionally, establishing tribal hostels and schools enabled me to immerse myself in the tribal population of Nandurbar, learning from their lifestyle close to nature, which forever changed my life and perspective.

Innovation and design thinking

One of the most remarkable aspects of civil services is the early exposure it provides to the value of systems and design thinking. It's not just about solving problems; it's about designing solutions that have a ripple effect across society. Whether it's finding innovative ways to tackle drought in Osmanabad district or managing crises through local low-cost innovations like hydroponic units for fodder, civil service is an environment where innovation thrives and every challenge is an invitation to think outside the box.

A daily dose of excitement and challenge

But what truly sets civil services apart is the daily dose of excitement and challenge it brings. Each day is a new chapter, filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and adapt. As the CEO of Zilla Parishad, I worked to incorporate Menstrual Hygiene into the national narrative, starting with Osmanabad district. Additionally, including the third gender in sanitation initiatives not only helped the district become ODF but also taught me the power of collective community participation.

Inspiring leadership

As the youngest CEO of the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission, I had the opportunity to work with a wide network of 25 lakh households through a robust network of women in Self-Help Groups. These women, inspiring in their determination and resilience, have now become a political constituency that no political party can afford to ignore. Their strength always reminds me of the adage by Ela Menon: "we are poor but so many."

Suman Chandra has been featured in the Bureaucrats India list of The 23 Women Catalysts of 2023: Top Women Performers of Indian Bureaucracy

Facing adversity with resilience

As the District Collector of Buldhana, one of Maharashtra's oldest and largest districts, the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges. However, we tackled it collectively with poise, communal harmony, and everyone's participation to defeat the pandemic.

A call to action

On this Civil Services Day, let's not just reflect on past achievements but also look forward with optimism and determination. To the younger generations, I say: embrace the opportunity to serve, innovate, and shape the destiny of our nation. Aspiring civil servants, don't just dream; take action. Your country needs your passion, your ideas, and your commitment.

In my next birth, I will still choose to be an IAS, for it's not just a profession; it's a lifelong commitment to serving the people and making a meaningful difference. Happy Civil Services Day to all my fellow civil servants! Together, let's continue to inspire and lead by example. 



The writer, a Yale University Graduate and Fulbright Scholar, is an IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre. She is currently on central deputation and serving as Director, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India.