Being in service I have seen and heard many inspiring stories of IAS officers.
Here I will tell about a state service officer who got promoted to IAS. His tale of courage is simply awe inspiring.
He became the District Collector of Dantewada in Bastar when Naxalims was at its peak. Everywhere there was conflict, blood, violence. Police personnel were getting killed, innocent tribal were killed, roads and bridges were destroyed. It was hell of a time.
This officer was in his late 40s and new to Bastar. Yet he was fearless and brave to the core. That time Sukma and Bijapur (two most naxal affected districts in India) were part of Dantewada. The situation was so grave that he carried an Assault Rifle (AK47) himself. Usually civil administrator themselves do not carry weapons. But he did. Situation demanded so. He never cared about his life. He was travelling from one village to another passing through forests and mountains. He met thousands of people and won their trust. He rehabilitated thousands of displaced Tribal in few days of time. He single handedly ensured roads to be rebuilt. Building roads in Bastar is one of the toughest thing, because often police which give security is ambushed by Naxals and killed. These roads are called as roads by blood because of the sacrifice.
Once we got an opportunity to meet him in Raipur. My God. When we talked I can sense what empathy looks like. This officer is an embodiment of Bravery and empathy. Till today it has been like 15 years, yet people of Dantewada fondly remember this officer.
Respect.
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