Inked Thoughts

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...

  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...

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...

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...