Unfurling the Tricolour at Maharashtra Sadan – A Journey Comes to a Full Circle

Unfurling the Tricolour at Maharashtra Sadan – A Journey Comes to a Full Circle

This Independence Day morning in Delhi was unlike any other for me. Standing in the heart of the nation’s capital, at Maharashtra Sadan, I had the privilege of unfurling the Tricolour  representing my beloved state on this national stage.
The colours of saffron, white, and green shimmered softly in the August light and
I felt my own life unfurl before me. I felt a deep, almost overwhelming sense of pride, gratitude, and fulfilment.
It has been over three decades since I began my journey in public service. Along the way, I have had the honour of hoisting the flag in  bustling talukas, in district headquarters where monsoon winds carried the anthem over green fields, in the proud heart of the state capital. But today, doing so in Delhi as the Resident Commissioner with the Parliament’s dome not far away, carried a special significance.
It felt as if all the paths I had walked, all the roles I had played, all those journeys I undertook had found their summit.
I am among the blessed few who have had the opportunity to serve both my state and my country in diverse capacities from the coastal charm of Sindhudurg to the tribal heartland of Jawhar; from complex land acquisition for CIDCO to  the quiet resilience and rehabilitation of project affected families in Konkan, from conducting elections in Thane to managing Mumbai’s complex administration; from ensuring employment gurantee under MGNREGA to managing lands and estate of MMRDA in BKC & Wadala, from the glamour of Film City to the quiet dignity of rural livelihoods of women in self help groups and skilling of rural youth ; from ensuring drinking water in parched villages to strengthening school education and nurturing the light of learning in young eyes ; from empowering village industries to promoting Khadi and Madhuban Honey, from being Collector and District Magistrate at Nagpur to  representing Maharashtra in Delhi now, every posting, every challenge, every cause has added an interesting  chapter to my story, each with its own demands, lessons, and rewards.

And today, as the national anthem played, followed by the soul-stirring Maharashtra Geet, I felt all those chapters turning in my mind’s eye.
The sky above was radiant and blue, a rare sight in the errant monsoon of Delhi this year. It has been raining heavily for days, but this morning, even the Rain Gods seemed to pause as if to let us celebrate our independence without interruption.
What more could I ask for? Nothing. Only bow my head in gratitude to the Tricolour,
to my state, to my country,
and to the countless faces and places that have shaped my journey. Also for the privilege of getting an opportunity to serve, for the trust reposed in me, and for this life that has allowed me to be part of India’s story in my own little way.
Jai Hind. Jai Maharashtra.

R. Vimala, IAS,
Resident Commissioner,
Maharashtra
Compassionate Civil Servant & PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay

Swadeshi Then, Swadeshi Now: A Call to Our Conscience on Handloom Day

Swadeshi Then, Swadeshi Now: A Call to Our Conscience on Handloom Day

It’s been three days since Handloom Day was celebrated and I wonder how many of us even noticed it.  Unlike the huge  fanfare around Valentine’s Day or Mother’s and Father's Day, it slipped by quietly, save for a few newspaper ads and discounts from government emporiums. 
At the Bharat Mandapam, in Delhi, the Hon’ble Textiles Minister honoured several handloom artists, among them was Shri Rajendra Ankam from Solapur, Maharashtra, renowned for his exquisite threadwork wall hangings. Yet, beyond these ceremonies, their names will probably fade from public memory. And that is the tragedy,  that the very keepers of our heritage remain unsung.
Handloom Day is not just about fabric; it’s about the fabric of our identity.
The roots go back to 1906, when leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Mahatma Gandhi called for Swadeshi and Boycott, a movement for self-reliance and national dignity. Swadeshi was never merely about rejecting British goods, it was about becoming self- reliant,  reclaiming faith in Bharat.
A century later, Swadeshi is even more relevant. Today we flaunt wardrobes full of foreign brands, feast on fast food, and dream of foreign degrees. We hesitate to pay for a handwoven saree or kurta but don’t blink at spending several times more on a branded pair of jeans or imported shoes. We dismiss millets and khadi as “old-fashioned,” yet proudly consume colas, pizzas, burgers, and polyester blends saturated with chemicals.
Why have we developed such double standards? The reasons are not entirely unfounded, fast food is cheaper and more visible, foreign brands are marketed as aspirational, and overseas universities offer superior infrastructure and labs. But this is exactly where we must introspect.
• Are we investing enough in local innovation, design, and branding?
• Are we making Indian goods aspirational?
• Are we strengthening our universities so our best minds don’t feel compelled to leave?
It’s worth remembering that many global brands quietly source their products from India only to add a foreign label and sell them back to us at premium prices. This proves that capacity is not our challenge, perception is.
I admire my nephew Ananth, educated at Boston and Princeton, who chose to return to India. Today he works at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, contributing to research and innovation. This, to me, is patriotism in action. But why should anyone have to choose between opportunity and duty? We need systems that reward and retain talent right here at home.
As a former CEO of the Maharashtra State Khadi Village and Industries Board, I have often urged: “Wear Khadi once a week, or at least use a Khadi towel or handkerchief.” Today, I extend this appeal again especially to the youth:
• Wear handloom once a week.
• Wear khadi once a week.
Not out of compulsion, but as a conscious celebration of who we are. Khadi is stylish, breathable, eco-friendly. Handloom is timeless and priceless.
With America imposing tariffs, perhaps it’s also time to question our uncritical love for McDonald’s, KFC, Nike, Coca-Cola, and other imports. Shouldn’t we, instead, take delight in healthier idli-vada, vada paav, sherbets, and khadi?
If you’re a young Indian who wants to make a difference:
• Swap fast fashion for conscious fashion.
• Eat food that nourishes, not just tempts.
• Support Indian artisans and businesses.
• Before every purchase, ask: “Can I choose local?”
Swadeshi isn’t just a sentiment, it must be a strategy. That means:
• Investing in better product design and marketing.
• Making Indian fashion and lifestyle aspirational.
• Strengthening infrastructure in education.
• Encouraging our students to study in India through supportive policies.
People will not be willing to wear Indian unless we make our clothes trendy, aspirational, and easily accessible. 

Loving our country must not be limited to waving the national flag on  occassions but must be woven into our daily choices. It can certainly not be limited to forwarding WhatsApp messages like a poster advocating Indian alternatives which I too received. Frankly that is what made me sit up to write this blog. Yet, this Handloom Day, let’s dedicate ourselves to rebuilding India with our hands, our hearts, and our heads. Let’s become more vocal for local  not just in words, but in the way we live.

R. Vimala, IAS,

Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra,

Compassionate Civil Servant & PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Live life : Your strength is greater than any storm : Recognise your potential

Live life : Your strength is greater than any storm : Recognise your potential

Today, the news of a teenager ending his life simply because his parent denied him a mobile phone flashed across the television screen and once again, I was shaken to the core. How fragile has life become under the crushing weight of expectations, isolation, and unspoken pain?

I have always been an incorrigible optimist. To me, life despite all its ups and downs is a gift,  a miracle. Among all living species, we humans are uniquely blessed. We not only have the ability to think, but also the profound capacity to feel,  to empathise, to connect, to reflect.

And yet, why are we seeing so many lives lost to  sheer hopelessness, something that should never have held as much power?

Life, by its very nature, is a mix of joy and sorrow, triumph and failure, calm and chaos. But should the first sign of struggle, rejection, or loss shake us so deeply that we choose to abandon the journey altogether? Even the wealthiest, the most brilliant, the most admired have not been devoid of hardship. None of us has had it easy. Every single person fights their own unseen battles.

So then, why are small setbacks like not getting a phone, not scoring high marks in exams, not being  successful in some  relationships becoming unbearable burdens for some?

This is not an isolated tragedy. Just two months ago, a reputed college postponed its examinations after three students died by suicide, and a fourth attempted to. What are we missing?

Is it the breakdown of honest communication?

The pressure-cooker expectations we place on ourselves and the young?

The endless comparisons served by social media?

The unrealistic lives portrayed in films and influencers reels?

Or is it the silence around mental health in our homes, our schools, and our society at large?

Have we forgotten how to simply talk, how to truly listen, and how to just be there?

Perhaps we must stop pushing our emotional struggles under the carpet. We must learn to be more open, share our  vulnerability. The pain which we hide, ignore and suppress perhaps start seeking an escape in the most tragic ways.

As parents, teachers, friends, and fellow human beings, we need to set examples not only about our achievements but also of togetherness, compassion, sacrifice, and resilience. Not silence but communication and connections can be our strength in relationships. 

Let us spread the awareness that suicide does not end pain but multiplies by passing it on to grieving parents, broken families, bewildered friends and an entire community left wondering why? 

That’s also the reason why it has become imperative  to reach out and ask, How are you? 

We need to make it normal for someone to say, I am not okay,  share their burden and ask for help.

We must remind ourselves and each other that no pain is insignificant, no life is ordinary, and no person is ever alone unless we let them be.

Let’s not wait for another headline, another loss, another moment of irreversible regret.

Let us open the door before it’s too late.

Let us choose communication over silence.

Let us stand united not in mourning but in prevention.

Let us stand against suicide, let us stand for life.

Because life, even with its imperfections, is still worth living as well as precious and so are you. 

If you ever feel overwhelmed, lost, or broken please reach out to me.

No judgment from me nor advice unless you ask for it but only an honest, listening heart.

So reach out to me, 

I am here for you always,  to support you in facing life, to be a part of each honest conversation every  time.

Email: vimshine@gmail.com

R. Vimala, IAS,

Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra,

Compassionate Civil Servant & PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay

Kargil Vijay Diwas: A Pilgrimage of Patriotism and Pride...

Kargil Vijay Diwas: A Pilgrimage of Patriotism and Pride...

Two years ago, we decided to go on vacation to Leh Ladakh and got the wonderful opportunity to bow our heads at the Kargil War Memorial, Dras where courage had triumphed over treachery. That journey was not just a  travel. It was a pilgrimage that brought me face-to-face with India's bravest sons, their silent stories etched in stone and in the sky.
Kargil can never be  just a dot on the map, it's a sacred chapter of our national memory, where every mountain peak echoes tales of grit, sacrifice, and duty beyond measure.
What made this journey even more unforgettable was that we were led through the memorial and the museum by an Indian Army officer. With poise and pride, he walked us through the chronology of the Kargil War, unfolding each battle, each name, and each mission with reverence. His words weren’t just facts, they were living memories  told with the weight of comradeship and service.
He spoke not from textbooks, but from a soldier’s heart about the cruel terrain which tested not just the body but the soul, about heroes so young, they had barely begun living, and about courage so fierce that it outshone fear.
Between May and July 1999, this stretch of land witnessed one of the toughest high-altitude battles in modern warfare. As we stood before the Wall of Fame, the officer recounted how 545 soldiers laid down their lives under Operation Vijay to reclaim every inch of Indian soil from infiltrators.
The Vijay Path, flanked with busts of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees, stood as a walk through history and heartbreak. Each face told a tale. Each name on the wall was not just a martyr, but a story of honour, love for the nation, and unflinching will.
Among the names, one resonated across the peaks, Param Vir Chakra,  Captain Vikram Batra, PVC. The officer’s voice grew softer yet stronger as he described the battle for Point 4875, now named Batra Top.
Here was a man who looked death in the eye and still moved forward. “Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it,” he had declared and he did.
Standing near the signpost pointing toward Batra Top, I imagined that daring climb, steep, snow-covered, under enemy fire. I could almost feel his spirit in the wind that swept the valley.
We were also told about Major Rajesh Adhikari, Captain Vijayant Thapar, Lt. Manoj Pandey, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, and many others. Some were barely 22 years old, but they faced impossible odds with absolute clarity  to defend Bharat Mata at all costs.
Every battle post Tololing, Point 5140, Tiger Hill, and the thunderous Bofors Gun sites came alive through the officer’s account. Operations like Safed Sagar and Shatru Nash weren’t just military manoeuvres, they were stories of coordination, sacrifice and brotherhood across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The museum visit, too, was led by the same officer. Displayed there were the original battle maps, weapons, letters written home, and even the personal belongings of martyred soldiers. It was here that I truly understood that war is not just fought with guns  it's fought with grit, memory, and commitment. 
One letter by a young officer to his parents had me in tears. These were boys with dreams who gave them up, so ours could survive.
On the previous day after arrival we had gone to Thang village, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Pakistan border. The beauty of the place belied its intense strategic importance. The thrill of being handed binoculars to view Pakistan Army posts and soldiers from a distance was surreal.
From where we stood, we could clearly see enemy bunkers, watchtowers, and the Indian posts facing them. Indian bunkers, camouflaged and solid, stood firm in the rocky terrain ever watchful, ever alert.
Speaking to the locals  who have  heard gunfire, witnessed shelling, and still live with patriotism in their veins added a whole new layer to my understanding of border life. Their resilience, and the unwavering presence of the Indian Army, made me deeply grateful.
As I stood holding the tricolour, the mighty Himalayas standing guard behind me, I was overwhelmed. I had come here as a curious visitor. I left as a witness to sacrifice.
Freedom isn't a gift. It’s a legacy paid for by blood, grit, and eternal vigil.
In memory of Kargil Vijay Diwas, let’s do more than just remember. Let’s remind ourselves, and the generations after us  that the peace we enjoy is protected by men and women who stand at the edge of danger so that we may live safely in its centre.
Let us bow in reverence to the heroes who defended our nation with their unmatched valour. Their sacrifice will always be etched in our hearts.
Jai Hind.
Vande Mataram.

R. Vimala, IAS, 

Compassionate Civil Servant & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

A Wave of Pride and Chiief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's Tribute to India's Timeless Civilisations

A Wave of Pride and Chiief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's  Tribute to India's Timeless Civilisations

Yesterday was a day that stirred something deep within me.
I had the rare privilege of being at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Special Centre for Security and Strategic Studies, and the inauguration of the Kusumagraj Special Centre for Marathi Language, both graced by Maharashtra’s dynamic Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Industries & Marathi Language Minister, Shri. Uday Samant.
A wave of nostalgia swept over me as I entered the campus. Thirty years ago, I would often visit JNU to meet a close friend who was studying there. Driving past those familiar paths, surrounded by green trees and brick coloured buildings  brought back warm and vivid memories. The campus still holds its quiet charm, but yesterday, there was something different in the air, a sense of pride and purpose.
The Convention Centre was overflowing, with parliamentarians, students, faculty, and guests gathering to witness the launch of two initiatives that were not only timely but deeply significant.
The highlight of the day was CM Devendra Fadnavis’s speech which was powerful, personal, and intensely full of pride. He spoke with deep reverence about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, not just as a historical figure but as a living symbol of courage, wisdom and vision. His powerful description of Shivaji Maharaj's strategic intelligence  and the valour of Marathas who had carried forward his legacy by  strengthening the Maratha  empire across Bharat gave me goosebumps.
One of the most powerful moments was when he spoke about the Maratha naval strength, a fleet so strong and fearless that it kept even the British at bay.
“Much before the British had built their empire on the seas, the Marathas had already hoisted their saffron flags across the Konkan coastline.” he thundered.
It wasn’t just about maritime strength, it was about preserving our sovereignty, our identity, our pride.
He also spoke about the impregnable  forts like  Raigad and the twelve Marartha forts that were recently recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. “These weren’t just stone walls,” he said, “they were the epicentres of Swarajya.”. Having  visited many of these forts  over the years, I suddenly found them to be more alive and sacred.
But what touched me even more was the way he extended this pride beyond Maharashtra. He spoke about the Chola Empire , their naval supremacy and rich cultural legacy with equal reverence. He rightly said that  “From the Marathas to the Cholas, India’s legacy is one of strength, self-rule, and wisdom.”
As someone who believes in the beauty of India’s diverse heritage, this inclusiveness warmed my heart.
CM Fadnavis also made a passionate appeal to take pride in one's mother tongue.
“Language is not only a means of communication, it is the soul of a civilisation, and we must learn to appreciate and respect all languages.
This call to celebrate all Indian languages while honouring one’s own was met with hearty applause.
The event was further elevated by JNU Vice-Chancellor Smt. Shantishri Pandit, who invoked the energy of Shakti, the divine feminine force. Her speech was not just symbolic, it was strong, fearless, and full of conviction. Her presence and words showed that JNU is embracing Bharat’s civilisational heritage with renewed clarity and confidence.
Also present was Shri Uday Samant, Maharashtra’s Industries and Marathi Language Minister, who reaffirmed his commitment to the new Centre for Marathi Studies at JNU. You could feel the emotion behind his words which was full of purpose and pride.
As I stepped out of the Convention Centre, the sky above was golden, reflecting the pride for our rich culture, tradition, resilience and stories that shape who we are.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj can never be confined to the pages of textbooks or history. He lives on as a spirit and as CM Fadnavis rightly said,
“He will always be a flame of inspiration for generations to come.”
Yesterday, that flame burned bright in my heart and that of Delhi, and I glowed in it's warmth.  

R. Vimala, IAS, 

Resident Commissioner, Delhi

Compassionate Bureaucrat &

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

A Hug, A Dream, and a Film That Stayed With Me – Tanvi the Great

A Hug, A Dream, and a Film That Stayed With Me – Tanvi the Great

It’s been a while since I stepped into a movie theatre. Life has been busy and honestly, my urge to watch films has slowly dwindled especially with the current trend of loud, violent plots. Once a die-hard Bollywood fan, a romantic and an optimist at heart, I find myself steering clear of bloodbaths and chaotic action. Biopics like Tanaji or Sam Manekshaw still catch my eye, but mostly, the magic of cinema has taken a back seat.

Yesterday, while casually browsing through the BookMyShow website for music shows, I happened to glance at the movie section. One trailer stood out for me, Tanvi the Great - A story about an autistic girl. Something about it felt pure, hopeful. On a whim, my friend, and me decided to go to see it.

And what a beautiful choice it turned out to be.

Tanvi the Great is, quite simply, a gentle breeze in a stormy world of cinema. It is rare these days to find a film that tells a story with grace, simplicity, and a soul.

Tanvi, the young protagonist, is autistic. She’s not here to be pitied, she’s here to be understood. She’s here to shine. Her gestures are thoughtful, her eyes full of intent, and every word she speaks carries meaning. She asks for permission before hugging someone, believes in routine and clings to a dream,  her father’s dream of hoisting the Indian flag on Siachen.

Her father, an army officer, is  martyred. Her mother, raises her single-handedly, navigating grief and the everyday challenges of parenting a neurodiverse child. There’s a quiet strength in her, a resilience that doesn’t demand attention, but earns admiration.

The grandfather, a retired Army officer himself, finds it difficult at first to understand Tanvi. His world was shaped by orders, regimentation, and silence. Hers thrives on empathy, predictability, and soft defiance. Watching their relationship grow, tentative at first, then affectionate is one of the most touching parts of the film. 

The story is further enriched by Boman Irani as Tanvi’s music teacher, bringing charm and sensitivity, and Arvind Swamy as a defence services coaching master, grounding the film in its purpose. Each of them adds depth without taking the spotlight away from Tanvi enacted beautifully by Shubhangi, who is the star, in every sense. Anupam Kher adds emotional grace with his perfect acting  and direction. 

As the film ended and we stepped out of the hall, we were moved. Not overwhelmed, but full, like after eating, a warm bowl of comfort food. 

Outside, a massive crowd had gathered for Saiyaara, the latest potboiler which looked loud, predictable. And here we were, quietly thankful that we chose something different.

I am writing this not as a critic, but as a viewer who reconnected with the joy of meaningful cinema.

 If you are someone who longs for storytelling that doesn’t shout, who cherishes kindness in characters, and who believes in the power of a dream then go to watch Tanvi the Great, specially with your kids. 

It may not have the noise, but it surely has the  soothing voice and that, sometimes, is what truly matters.

R. Vimala, IAS, 

Resident Commissioner,

Compassionate Bureaucrat and PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay

संवाद...

संवाद...

कुछ दिन बन जाते ख़ास

किसी से जब होती बातl

भर जाती मन में आस,

कि जग में अब भी है आँचl

किसी के सतकर्मों की

विश्वास से भरी ऊर्जा कीl

प्रेरणा देती हुई सादगी की,

स्नेह से परीपूर्ण राह की।

शब्दों के निर्मल वाणी सी

मौन की विशेष चुप्पी सी l

संगीत सी गूँजते सुरों की

मंद मुस्कान की लाली सी

थके मन को दे ताजगी भी

नव आरंभ हो जैसे जीवन की

कभी-कभी बस एक संवाद,

बदल देता है मन का स्वाद।

जैसे ऋतु बदल दे कली की बात,

 खिल उठता वैसे दिन वह खास।

ना दिखावा, ना कोई बनावट।

ना छल, ना द्वेष, और ना कपट 

केवल करुणा और प्रेम विशेष

जैसे जीवन में ना कोइ क्लेश

तभी तो कुछ दिन बन जाते ख़ास,

क्योंकि मिल जाता है एक एहसास,

कि दुनिया में अब भी हैं लोग ऐसे,

जो भर देते जीवन को ख़ुशी के पलों से

मन विमल