By Pratibha Nepak
Bhubaneswar: Odisha today is going through a developmental and transformative phase that was never seen before. The State is evolving as a leader in the country and marching towards becoming a true welfare State as it pushes through the traditional governance system and brings in all round development through 5T Initiatives. Odisha’s marvelous transformation in the last two decades has been possible because of the foresighted leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the relentless efforts of the Government. All through these defining and happening years, one person who has dedicated himself for fulfilling the dreams of the Chief Minister and taking Odisha to new heights is VK Pandian, the Private Secretary to CM Naveen Patnaik and Secretary to CM-Transformational Initiatives (5T). The State owes a lot for its development and transformation to this man who has been working day and night to bring smiles on the faces of the common man.
A great leadership is never confined to the whims of popularity and status. Instead, leadership is about working for what is in the best interest of the people you are serving. With the sole aim of taking the benefits of development to the common man and steering transformative governance till the grassroots, VK Pandian has been persistently contributing to Odisha’s rise.
VK Pandian has a single point agenda – bringing smiles on the faces of the common man through transformation and effective governance. Following the instructions and advice of the Chief Minister, he has been working to bring in equitable development. He is an active officer who works round the clock. Whether inspecting an infrastructure project at early morning 4 ‘O’ clock or making a surprise visit to a health facility, or having lunch and dinner with the common people, Pandian is at the forefront. He is not only hard working, but also smart working. The top most priority for him is completing the projects on time without any compromise.
Not letting any criticism to interfere in his mission, Pandian has been dedicatedly overseeing the transformation of the State. His enthusiasm for the development of Odisha is absolutely commendable. His critics, who are jealous at his dedication and creating hurdles at every step, will never succeed in their intentions and Odisha will triumph.
In the bureaucratic set up, Odisha has seen many officers come and go. But there are very few officers like Pandian who have made an indelible mark on the lives of the people of Odisha. His devotion towards his duty is an example for all.
Following the instructions of the Chief Minister, the 5T Secretary has been overseeing the transformation of the governance and has been making trips to the nook and corner of the State to review developmental activities and interacting with the common man to know the reality. He is going to the masses as he is one from among them.
During his visits to the districts, Pandian is seen interacting with the common people, taking their feedback on the government initiatives, speaking to the patients in hospitals and taking their reaction on the quality of treatment, speaking to students regarding transformation of schools and having dinner with the ashram school inmates speaks volumes about his dedication towards his responsibility. Despite being a senior officer, he does not have the slightest sense of ego.
The role played by Pandian in proper and timely implementation of the welfare programs of the State Government is paramount. His contribution towards Odisha’s growth and transformation can never be ignored and the critics have to acknowledge this one day.
His mettle in transforming the governance is not new. Ever since he joined the Civil Services, he has left some developmental marks that have become examples for other. Be it Sundargarh, Ganjam, or any other district, people still remember his working as the best and effective. His tireless efforts to ascertain the reality of the implementation of each scheme of the government during his visits to various districts have resulted in proper and times implementation.
While he is not the one who has been leading from the front, he has always been a team player and has utmost discipline in his service. He respects the administrative hierarchy and maintains good rapport with the juniors. He always stays positive and enthusiastic.
On one occasion of interaction with the collectors of various districts, Pandian said “There are very few institutions in the world like the institution of Collector in India. There is never a good time than now to help the needy. Use your power to help the needy and the deprived. Go an extra mile with your responsibilities and serve the people, and create the best benchmark in service. Being humane is never dangerous.” He truly holds to his words.
Pandian has been popular for his soft persona and he believes in a tough and no nonsense approach. His background as a sportsperson makes him an active sports enthusiast who believes in the development of sports in Odisha. His contribution in making Odisha the sports hub of the country will go down in history as an example to be emulated by others.
Be it high school transformation, development of heritage places, improvement of health infrastructure in districts, accelerating agriculture growth or technologically driving the governance mechanism, all have been possible because of this one man’s efforts. His innovative and out of box interventions have resulted in visible changes on the ground and activated the governance mechanism.
Odisha’s emergence as a State of opportunities is greatly credited to the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the responsibility to make it a leading State in the country has been bestowed upon VK Pandian who has been leaving no stone unturned.
The recent incidents of hate mongering by some sections are just examples of their intolerance. They want to create hurdles in the development of the State. They don’t want the people to get their rightful place in the society. The unconditional love and affection of the people accompanied by their plentiful blessings empower him to re-dedicate himself for the cause of the common man. His care and concern for them is unmistakably writ large in the enduring smiles on their faces during his interface with them.
(Pratibha Nepak is a freelance journalist, who extensively writes on development issues.)
Comments are closed.