Sujata Saunik: Maharashtra's First Lady Chief Secretary

Sujata Saunik: Maharashtra's First Lady Chief Secretary

Some leaders leave a mark through their power and others through their presence and action. Sujata Saunik, the first woman Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, is among those rare leaders who has done both with unmatched grace, intellect, and heart. Her retirement from active service does not just mark the end of a stellar career but reflects the great legacy she carries forward.
Sujata Madam’s career spans an  entire spectrum of governance from grassroots to global. Her early years as the Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, followed by a powerful tenure as Collector of Jalgaon grounded her in the realities of public service.
She took this experience to the urban sector as Municipal Commissioner of Nashik, dealing  with challenges of a growing city to  balance development with citizen-focused service delivery.
Along with administrative brilliance  Sujata Madam took interest in academics. As a Takemi Fellow she studied Public Administration, joining a global cohort of future leaders and changemakers.This sharpened her  keen understanding of governance with international insights into public policy design, institutional reform and the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
This academic lens combined with her field experience made her a rare officer who could think like a policymaker, act like a reformer, and connect like a grassroots worker.
During her tenure with the National Disaster Management Cell, Government of India, Sujata Madam played a pivotal role in shaping India's early strategies on disaster risk reduction and preparedness.
Her work helped lay the foundation for a more proactive, structured national disaster management, which continues to save lives and guide action even today
Back in Maharashtra, her work in Health was marked by both vision and compassion, designing interventions for maternal health, child welfare, and gender equity that truly touched lives. Her international exposure, including work with WHO and UNICEF, strengthened her ability to balance global perspectives with local realities.
Her reformist zeal came alive as Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department, where she led transformational initiatives in digital governance, administrative reforms, and institutional efficiency.
One of her landmark contributions has been in technology-enabled governance. As a believer in systems reform, Sujata Madam championed Maharashtra’s first e-Cabinet, transitioning decision-making processes from paper to digital. This was not just a technological upgrade, it was a shift towards transparency and accountability.
Her push for data-driven governance, real-time dashboards, and digital citizen service platforms placed Maharashtra at the forefront of administrative modernization
Perhaps another of her most defining legacies lies in her work as Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department. She led a quiet but firm revolution ensuring that capable women officers were appointed as Collectors, CEOs, and Divisional Commissioners across the state.
The shift was so visible that many said with pride, “Vidarbha Durgamayi jhaali.” Sujata Madam didn’t just believe in empowerment she created systems that made it real. She didn’t just advocate empowerment she institutionalized it. In contrast she had to be patient for over one year for her own appointment as the first lady Chief Secretary of Maharashtra which shortened her term and cetainly deprived the state of her sagacity. Yet she continued to open doors for women and  ensured they walked through them with confidence and purpose.
I had the privilege of serving as the Officer on Special Duty in the Chief Secretary’s Office. To observe her closely was to witness a masterclass in governance where nothing escaped her attention. Whether it was framing policy, planning a major government review, or managing an emergent situation her clarity of thought and attention to detail were impeccable.
Yet what set her apart most was her deeply human side. Amidst high-pressure meetings and critical decisions, she would make a call to gently remind her mother to take her medicines or talk to her son on the phone with great affection and a smile in the middle of a busy day.
Her leadership also extended beyond government roles. As President of  the Indian Administrative Service Officers’ Wives Association (IASOWA), she was an active force and brought fresh energy, inclusion, and new ideas strengthening  community ties. Whether it was supporting underprivileged children, organizing wellness programs, or undertaking donation drive she made sure that IASOWA became a vibrant, inclusive community.
Her career is a beacon for the future, a reminder that systems can be reformed with heart, that leadership can be inclusive, and that intellect shines brightest when rooted in humility.
Her official journey as Chief Secretary may have come to a close, but her influence is far from over. Whether she chooses a formal role in public policy, national leadership, global platforms or simply continues as a mentor and guide, one thing is certain: she will continue to lead, to inspire, and to illuminate paths for many.
Thank you, Sujata Madam for showing us that government service is not a just any job, but a calling. And that true leadership is not about position but about purpose.

R. Vimala, IAS,
Compassionate Bureaucrat & PhD Scholar at IIT, Bombay



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Suchindram Temple : A Symphony in Stone

Suchindram Temple : A Symphony in Stone

Have you ever heard of stone columns that sing ? Or sculptures with ears so perfectly carved that you can pass a thin stick right through them? Hidden away in the southern tip of India, Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple in Tamil Nadu is one of those rare places where mythology, architecture and precision meet to leave you spellbound.
It was almost two decades ago, eighteen years to be exact, that I first visited Suchindram Temple.  The absolute marvel had left an indelible mark on me even then.  Now, being invited to a conference in nearby Kovalam in Kerala with Suchindram barely two hours away from our venue, I couldn't lose the opportunity to witness its grandeur once more.
We opted for a guide, knowing fully well that understanding the intricate sculptures on our own would be impossible. Our guide, a young enthusiast, truly brought the history to life.
He ushered us quickly toward the main sanctum, explaining it would close at 12:30 PM. Here we got darshan of the beautiful idol of Thanumalayan,  (Thanu = Shiva, Mal = Vishnu, Ayan = Brahma), the presiding diety which symbolises the unity of divine forces in a single sanctum making Suchindram Temple  unique. This inclusive spirit is reflected not just in philosophy, but in the very stones which have created the temple.
Our guide took to various shrines dedicated to other deities, including Lord Indra, who is believed to have worshipped here to be freed from a curse, Goddess Annapoorni, Nataraja, and Ganesha. His commentary gave life to the idols. He pointed out that the Navagrahas in the temple were  particularly unique as they were carved onto the ceiling.
Each step in the ancient halls, reflected  the ingenuity and devotion of the artisans who breathed life into these stones centuries ago. Beautiful carved corridors echoed the chants and footsteps of the great kings under whose reigns this temple was constructed  as well as  generations of pilgrims who would have witnessed it grandeur.
Stepping into the inner halls, we could see the truly magical architectural wonder, a set of musical pillars carved from single blocks of stone. The guide tapped them knowledgeably explaining the distinct musical notes as if the stone itself were the instruments. These sapta swara (seven-note) columns not only amazed me but made me ponder . Centuries ago, how did those artisans manage to craft stone into sound without modern tools? The concentration, the precision required for such a feat is unimaginable. It made me think about the lost knowledge and the incredible dedication of those sculptors.
These pillars are more than a marvel; they are a tribute to the temple’s cultural richness, where music, devotion, and engineering genius combine seamlessly. I felt a surge of pride seeing the sophisticated blend of art and science from the pages of history.
One of the most delightful details in the temple is the lifelike stone sculptures, especially the one with ears carved so finely that a stick can pass right through them. The guide spoke about the deeprooted philosophy behind it saying we should hold back the good we hear and push out all bad things we hear. This wasn’t just a visual wonder, it was a powerful testimony to the incredible precision of ancient Indian sculptors, whose skill transcended the limitations of time and technology. Every figure, every corner of the temple seemed to hold a secret — from intricate celestial dancers and Gods, to fierce guardians and quiet sages. each telling part of a much larger story. I imagined the hands that painstakingly carved these details, the immense focus, and the vision they possessed to create such masterpieces.
A towering 22-foot tall Hanuman statue, one of the tallest in India, carved from a single granite block was another marvel whose sheer scale and detail were breathtaking. A magnificent gopuram (entrance tower) rising to 134 feet, richly adorned with mythological scenes and deities. I felt dwarfed by its grandeur, yet uplifted by its beauty.
A Living Legacy
Suchindram isn't just a monument; it's a living, breathing center of devotion and culture. Our guide said that during the annual Car Festival, the streets come alive as thousands gather to pull the beautifully decorated temple chariot, amidst chants, music, and celebration. I could almost hear the echoes of past festivities, connecting me to a vibrant, unbroken lineage.
Though dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, and Nayaks have all left their mark on the temple, its soul remains untouched, vibrant and timeless. While our rich ancient history is sometimes overshadowed by the narratives of the Sultanate and Mughal dynasties, masterpieces like those at Suchindram perhaps give the Cholas and Pandyas their rightful place in history. Standing there, I felt a deep sense of validation and pride in the heritage that often goes unrecognized.
In a world racing ahead, Suchindram Temple offers a chance to pause and wonder — to marvel at human creativity, spiritual unity, and the silent stories carved in stone. It reminds us that beauty is not always in grandeur, but also the quiet mastery of a hand that tranaformed a  stone and made it sing. This journey wasn't just a visit to a temple; it was an experience, a personal revelation of the enduring genius of our ancestors.
If you're planning a journey to Kanyakumari or southern Tamil Nadu, make sure Suchindram is on your list. You won't just visit a temple but also experience a marvel that will resonate with you long after you've left.

R. Vimala, IAS,

Compassionate Bureaucrat and PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay.

Father's Day...

Father's day.... 

Today is Father's Day. I am reminded of a very famous shloka from the Shantiparva of Mahabharata which reads as ,

"पिता स्वर्गः पिता धर्मः पिता परमकं तपः | 

पितरि प्रीतिमापन्ने सर्वाः प्रीयन्ति देवताः ||२०|| 

My father is my heaven, my father is my dharma, he is the ultimate penance of my life. If he is happy, all deities are pleased!"

It has been my fortune to experience this shloka in my father. He was a man of principles, one who has learned to adapt himself to each and every situation he encountered in his life. 

Backsliding from a life of comfort to abject penury due to losses in the family business, and then rising up to be a man of modest means, must not have been without challenges. Yet he consistently rose to the occasion with a balanced mind and mature adaptation. Furthermore, leading a healthy life, he set an example by abstaining from smoking and drinking, exercising regularly and maintaining his weight, while indulging in mentally stimulating activities like Sudoku and Crosswords. 

His emphasis on being  happy through relationships and more importantly the fact that money does not lead to happiness has  been the greatest lesson. He taught us to see the best in people and lead a life of Dharma, which essentially encompassed the path of law, of righteousness, of duty, compassion, love and joy as the right way of living.

Father's day has not only given me but all others an opportunity to discern our existence to our father and mother.  Keeping them happy is therefore our foremost duty. 

In fact the Garuda Purana says,

पितॄन्नमस्ये निवसन्ति साक्षाद्ये देवलोकेऽथ महीतले वा ॥

तथान्तरिक्षे च सुरारिपूज्यास्ते वै प्रतीच्छन्तु मयोपनीतम् ॥ 89.27 ॥

पितॄन्नमस्ये परमार्थभूता ये वै विमाने निवसन्त्यमूर्त्ताः ॥

यजन्ति यानस्तमलैर्मनोभिर्योगीश्वराः क्लेशविमुक्तिहेतून् ॥ 89.28 ॥

पितॄन्नमस्ये दिवि ये च मूर्त्ताः स्वधाभुजः काम्यफलाभिसन्धौ||

प्रदानशक्ताः सकलेप्सितानां विमुक्तिदा येऽनभिसंहितेषु ॥ 89.29 ॥ 

"I bow before my father, in whom all the deities of all realms reside, truly he is my deity. 

I bow before my father who resides in the formless guise of Paramartha, who is worshipped by blameless yogis for liberation from all conflict (of samsara).

I bow before my father, in whom I see all Gods and who fulfills all my aspirations. He is the inspiration for achievements, and he relieves me from all worries. I pay my obseisance to my revered father. " 

If we close our eyes for a moment and ponder about all that our parents do for us since the time we are born, this shloka would become so relevant. Fathers stand by us as we roll, crawl, take our first baby step, walk, run, study, and grow up. They also help us to fire our imagination, set goals for ourselves and encourage us to achieve them. They are not daunted by our failures, in fact,  their belief in us encourages us forever in all our endeavours. They guide us and mentor us or silently support us till we reach our goals.

As children I don't think any of us remember being worried about anything with our fathers around.

Depriving themselves of every little comfort, they ensure that our smallest needs are satisfied

 As children we rarely doubt the propriety of our father. In fact we have full faith in his ability and strength to guide us. Things sometimes go amiss when we are blinded by the brightness and the glamour of youth. On such occasions it is very easy to forget our duty towards our father and overlook all that he has done. 

Only somebody extraordinary like Maryada Purushottam Ram in Ramayana can express  the thought : 

" यतः मूलम् नरः पश्येत् प्रादुर्भावम् इह आत्मनः||

कथम् तस्मिन् न वर्तेत प्रत्यक्षे सति दैवते || २-१८-१६ meaning, " A man can see his father as the cause of his existence; why wouldn't he want to behave towards him as if his father were a visible God (pratyaksha devata)?"

Lord Ram is an example of that ethereally dutiful son which may perhaps be a bit too much to expect in modern times. However what stops us from doing little things that make our father and our parents happy?

For a country deep-rooted in the culture of " Matru-devo bhava, Pitru devo bhava, Acharya devo bhava, where our parents and our gurus, teachers, are our Gods , Father's Day can simply be a reminder of our glorious tradition. However let's not limit our love and respect for our father to this single day. Let this be a reminder of the dharma or duty towards our father to be practised everyday.....

Let everyday be father's day.....

Tree, Pit and a Promise: My World Environment Day in Delhi

Tree, Pit and a Promise: My World Environment Day in Delhi

Today, June 5th, came with the  special significance of being World Environment Day, a day to spread awareness about the environment and its conservation.
As someone currently posted in Delhi, I love the pockets of green beauty amidst the urban sprawl. The magnificent trees, some tall and old  are a constant reminder of nature's grandeur.
My heart did get heavy recently when many trees fell in the recent thunderstorms at Delhi. It was a stark reminder of our planet's  fragility, the immense power of nature, and also of our responsibility.
We have learnt since our school days that  planting trees is the best way to preserve the environment.  Government and countless environmentalists advocate it as a  good idea and a way to preserve the air we breathe and the world where we live.
It was therefore a delight and honour today when I had the opportunity to plant trees along with the Hon'ble Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation, Mr. Muralidhar Mohol, and the Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Shri. Ravindra Waikar, at New Maharashtra Sadan.
This was not a routine act of  putting saplings in the earth but an act of hope, a small but significant step towards a greener future. The energy was infectious as all our team members felt that contributing in this way to the environment apart from avoiding single use plastic is meaningful. 
Speaking of Maharashtra Sadans, both the old and new are green havens with plants, trees and lawns. They are a testament to the beauty that can be created in the heart of a bustling city.
Of course there are some challenges in managing the greenery and the place. Trees shed their leaves and the  canteens serving delicious meals, generate a huge amount of kitchen waste which is difficult to manage. Disposing this substantial amount of waste  responsibly has always been a task. We decided to tackle the problem in a little way by creating a compost pit in Old Maharashtra Sadan to collect all such waste and convert it into manure.  As we commenced the project, the satisfaction of contributing this "little bit" to the environment by turning what was once a "dump" into a resource felt immense. Watching that first bit of organic matter go into the pit, knowing it will transform into nutrient-rich compost, was incredibly gratifying.

Today we reinforced a simple yet profound truth that environmental preservation isn't just about big  gestures,  it's about consistent, thoughtful actions, big and small, that contribute to real change.
From planting a single tree to creating a compost pit and avoiding single use plastic, each step contributes to the well-being of our planet. 

As I reflected on this World Environment Day, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of these efforts. Let’s all do our part, however small, to nurture our planet.

R. Vimala, IAS,

Compassionate Civil Servant &

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay