Governance with Grit: Transforming Lucknow One Bold Step at a Time | Inderjit Singh | TEDxLucknow

Key Concepts:

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS) value system
• Courage (Karaj) and its connection to the soul (Atma)
• Seva (Service) and its importance
• Value system and its role in handling situations
• Scale of work in IAS and municipal corporation
• Zero waste city
• Toilet to tap concept
• Confronting vs. conforming

1. Early Life and Influences:

• The speaker's father was in the Air Force, leading to frequent transfers and schooling changes across India. While initially disruptive, this experience later helped him adapt to different cultures and assignments quickly.
• He initially aimed to join the armed forces but was medically disqualified.
• He then pursued applied physics and planned to study in the UK, but his visa was rejected.
• His father suggested trying for the IAS, considering it a prestigious service.
• The word "Seva" (service) in "Bharatiya Prashasanik Seva" (Indian Administrative Service) attracted him, aligning with his upbringing and values.

2. Journey to IAS:

• He faced multiple unsuccessful attempts in the IAS exam.
• A change in the IAS pattern in 2011 led to an extra attempt being granted to candidates, which he believes was meant for him.
• He secured good marks in the interview and joined the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in 2016.
• The academy's motto, "Sheelam Param Bhushanam" (Character is the highest virtue), resonated with him.

3. The Concept of Courage (Karaj):

• Courage is defined as being related to the soul (Atma).
• It's not just about bold actions but also about the value system behind those actions.
• He cites the example of Captain Manoj Pandey, a Param Vir Chakra winner, whose courage stemmed from his unwavering commitment to his goal, even in the face of death.
• "Courage is not simply about taking bold actions; it's about the value system that drives those actions, originating from within one's soul."
• He emphasizes the importance of finding one's "why," as Captain Manoj Pandey did.

4. Early Postings and Experiences:

• First posting as SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) in Bijnor.
• He dealt with a farmer's protest by engaging with them during their "Langar" (community kitchen), building rapport and resolving the issue.
• In Nagina, he handled a law and order situation during Holi by standing his ground with limited forces, preventing casualties.
• He quotes a line from Gurbani: "Purja Purja Kat Mare Kabhu Na Chhade Khet" (Even if cut into pieces, never leave the field).

5. Handling COVID-19 Pandemic:

• Posted in Etawah during the first wave of COVID-19, he was responsible for managing the district's response.
• He emphasizes the importance of human values and helping everyone in need.
• He coordinated with batchmates in other states to assist people, such as shifting a dengue patient from Bangalore.
• During the second wave, he was made nodal officer for tertiary care in an eastern district.
• He addressed the shortage of oxygen and established tertiary care facilities.
• He led by example, entering the tertiary care hospitals to inspire staff and save lives.

6. Serving in Lucknow as Municipal Commissioner:

• He highlights the scale of work in Lucknow, with a population of 45 lakhs and an area of 621 square kilometers.
• He mentions that the municipal commissioner's work is like "God's work," involving land, air, and water.
• He emphasizes the importance of solid waste management, water management, and air quality improvement.
• He mentions the removal of the "Ghela" garbage mountain and the ongoing work to process 2000 tons of waste daily to make Lucknow a zero-waste city.
• He discusses the "toilet to tap" concept and the use of treated wastewater for purposes like maintaining Janeshwar Park.
• He mentions the use of Miyawaki forests to improve air quality.

7. Key Takeaways and Advice:

• Never lose hope and always believe in yourself.
• Don't be afraid to take risks and confront challenges with courage.
• Find your "why" and align your actions with your values.
• Learn from religious texts and apply their teachings to life.
• Don't conform to traditional ways of thinking; challenge the status quo.
• "Life is meant to be lived; don't let depressive thoughts hold you back."
• "The opposite of courage is conformity."
• He recommends reading "Create with Courage" by Max Rollo.
• He encourages the audience to create a positive impact on the world.

8. Scale Examples:

• Solid Waste Management: Lucknow generates 2000 tons of waste daily, requiring 250 trucks to remove it.
• Water Management: Lucknow uses 770 million liters of water per day.
• Comparison with Norway: Norway has a population of 52 lakhs and an area larger than Uttar Pradesh.

9. Conclusion:

The speaker shares his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of courage, values, and service in navigating life's challenges. He highlights the scale and impact of work in the IAS and municipal corporation, encouraging the audience to find their purpose and contribute to creating a better world. He stresses the importance of confronting challenges with courage rather than conforming to the status quo.