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Standing firm: When one officer challenged interference

About the Series: Stories of Service India’s civil services have long been shaped by individuals whose integrity, courage, and commitment have stood firm against the tides of pressure and politics. Behind every administrative decision lies a story — of conviction, of ethical dilemmas , and of leadership that often goes unnoticed. This series, “ Stories of Service ,” brings to light real accounts and lesser-known moments from the lives of Indian Administrative Service officers . Each story offers lessons in governance, resilience, and purpose — not just for those in public service, but for anyone who believes that integrity is the cornerstone of meaningful work. Through these narratives, the series seeks to inspire reflection on what it truly means to serve — with honesty, with humility, and with heart . In the corridors of administration, integrity often walks a tightrope between political expectations and professional duty. One such story from Gujarat in 2002 stands out — that...

Grow 🌿 Through Change, Not Just Go Through It

Things change. Time changes. And so must you. We often expect that if we’ve been good to people, life will return that goodness back to us. If you have been into this situation, this feeling makes you miserable. But reality works differently. Being kind doesn’t guarantee that everyone will behave kindly in return — and that’s okay. Growth lies in how we respond, not in how the world reacts to us. Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. But if you choose to grow through change, you become unshakable. 💫 1. Accept That Everything Changes Nothing in life stays the same — not people, not circumstances, not even our emotions. Expecting consistency in a constantly evolving world only brings disappointment. Instead, learn to flow with time , not resist it. See change as an observer — it brings lessons wrapped in uncertainty. ⚡ 2. Redefine What It Means to Be Powerful Power doesn’t come from control or dominance. Most of the Power comes from what you do not do, what you...

The Airbag and the Insurance Policy: A Lesson That Still Resonates

Years ago, I attended a training seminar on Life Insurance that left a lasting impression on me. The speaker told a story so simple, yet so powerful, that it changed the way I viewed insurance — not as a product, but as a promise. During the session, someone from the audience raised a question : “Sir, how do I know the insurance company will really pay my claim ? ” It’s a fair question — one that many people silently carry in their minds. After all, if a claim isn’t paid when it’s needed most, what’s the point of having insurance? Until that moment arrives, paying premiums can easily feel like a waste of money. The trainer smiled and said, “I understand your concern. Let me explain it in a way that might make sense to you. Do you drive a car? Or have you ever sat in one? Every car comes with an airbag .” He paused, letting everyone lean in. “When was the last time you tested your airbag?” Of course, no one had. The only way to test an airbag is to crash your car — and no...

From Mopping Tables to Owning a Restaurant: The Inspiring Journey of Rafiq Bhai

In the heart of Gandhinagar ’s Sector 17 , a young man once wiped tables with quiet determination, unaware that those humble beginnings would one day lead him to build one of the city’s most beloved restaurants. It was 1992 when Rafiq Bhai began his first job at a local hotel restaurant. His duties were simple — mopping tables, serving guests, and washing dishes — and his pay was a modest ₹300 a month. Yet, he carried out every task with a rare honesty and humility that made him stand out. Over the years, his unwavering work ethic paid off. By 2001, he was earning ₹12,000 a month — a remarkable journey of persistence and growth. But life, as it often does, threw a curveball. The hotel owner, now elderly, could no longer run the business, and the establishment shut down. Many would have stopped there. Rafiq Bhai didn’t. Determined to build a better life, he found his way to the United Kingdom , where he continued working in the restaurant business. There, he joined a Pakistani re...

Japan: Lessons in Trust, Discipline, and Cleanliness the World Can Learn From

I have never set foot in Japan, yet through extensive reading, conversations with travelers, and stories from those who have lived there, I have come to deeply admire this remarkable nation. What emerges from these accounts is a portrait of a society where trust, discipline, and integrity are not just ideals—they are part of the national DNA. A Culture of Cleanliness and Respect Visitors often return amazed at Japan’s pristine streets, spotless public toilets, and the complete absence of litter—despite the near-total lack of public trash bins. People carry their waste home or to work, a habit ingrained from childhood. Cleanliness is not enforced by law but sustained by personal responsibility and collective pride. Even in crowded spaces like Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing or bullet train stations, there is no chaos, honking, or pushing. Queues are formed naturally, and punctuality is sacred—if a train is scheduled for 10:03 a.m., it departs at 10:03 a.m., without fail. Trust as a S...

Kaalidhar Laapata: A Soulful Simple Film

In a world obsessed with speed and spectacle, Kaalidhar Laapata offers something far more rare— stillness . Featuring a beautifully subdued Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role, it quietly nudges us toward some of life’s biggest questions—about aging, abandonment, hope, and the strange miracle of companionship. However, after watching the movie, I came to know that this heartfelt film, directed by Madhumita is a hindi remake of the original Tamil film K.D. The story follows Kaalidhar (who during his life's journey is renamed “KD”), a weary middle-aged man grappling with memory loss and abandonment. After discovering that his own family is planning to leave him behind during a pilgrimage, he escapes and meets Ballu—a feisty and lovable 8-year-old orphan, and the two embark on a spontaneous road journey to fulfill KD’s long-forgotten bucket list. What begins as an escape becomes a path to rediscovery—for both of them. What follows is a heartfelt road jou...