IAS OFFICER
Parimal Rai
In order to ensure development it is important for a leader to take risks, generate support from multiple stakeholders, drive decisions and ensure directed timely action. Mr. Parimal is motivated to create greatest good for the largest number. He is a hardworking, meticulous and decisive IAS officer, who has created a legacy of remarkable achievements in fields of water conservation and supply, high quality education in government schools, infrastructure development and progress for multiple sections of society across various parts of India. As Administrator of Lakshwadeep, he improved the school access for girls and enabled University level distance education to improve the quality of education on the island archipelago significantly. His contribution to development of Lakshwadeep is best epitomized by him ensuring clean drinking water. He spearheaded the project to bring potable water for the masses. The greatest benefit of the desalination plant at Lakshadweep has been its resultant impact on the reduction of the incidence of water borne & other diseases. Due to the successful commissioning of this project, around 10,000 people of Kavaratti island were assured of clean, safe and cheap potable drinking water. Believing firmly in conservation, he drove rainwater and road run off harvesting to significantly improve the water resources in the prime Capital region, thus establishing the model for planned urban water usage.
IPS Officer
D R Kaarthikeyan (Instituted in 2009-2010)
An Agriculturist turned lawyer-turned IPS officer, Dr. Kaarthikeyan served the nation with great distinction in many capacities in India and abroad. He has been Director of CBI, Director General of NHRC and CRPF. Presently he holds important positions in many sectors, be it corporate, social or spiritual organisations. He has been traveling all over India and abroad promoting Peace, Religious Harmony, Spirituality, Human Rights and respect for Environment. His work to society has been widely recognized over time and there is an endless list of honours conferred upon him for the same. A few important awards to his credit are-the ‘Humanitarian Award’ from the Integral Yoga International, USA for outstanding achievement in service to humanity; “For the Sake of Honour” by the Rotary Clubs; Rajiv Gandhi Award for Harmony by the Interfaith Harmony of India, Atma Jyothi by the World Academy of Spiritual Sciences; Jewel of Delhi by the All India Conference of Intellectuals; President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and many more by various civil society organisations. He has a successful track record to date and is widely respected for his commitment and quality of service in various spheres in various fields of activity.
J.M.Lyngdoh (2006-07)
James Michael Lyngdoh will forever be associated with the credible, successful, and free elections held in difficult circumstances in Jammu & Kashmir and Gujarat in the aftermath of the 2002 riots. He has used his authority with calm gentleness and surgical efficiency to protect the rights of the weak from opportunistic politicians. His remarkable rectitude, impeccable integrity and unassuming nature have set standards for probity in public life. He ensured fair and transparent conduct of the electoral process as Election commissioner and set standards for fair electoral polls
Harsh Mander(2006-07)
Harsh Mander had served in the Indian Administrative Service for about 20 years in various capacities including district collector, managing director SC/ST Finance Corporation. He has been described by his peers as 'frank, fearless and committed with indomitable courage' when it came to defending the oppressed and weaker sections of the society. He resigned from the IAS in the aftermath of the Gujarat riots as he felt the call of his conscience and duty was greater than the oath of office. He took effective stand during the Gujarat carnage of 2002, and broke the conspiracy of silence around the pogrom.