Where in India would you find IAS and IPS officers singing and dancing, making use of opportunities to showcase their talent and sometimes indulge in adventure activities as part of their routine work? It’s happening here in Telangana where the government has attached importance to celebrations, be it the State Formation Day or the State-sponsored festivals.
Some of the top bureaucrats working in the districts, especially in north Telangana, seem to have shed the inhibitions seen among their seniors and are eager to participate in cultural events. These officials seem to be a happy bunch sporting trendy casuals and not worried about being subjected to scrutiny, including that on social media.
The latest on the bandwagon is Ramagundam Commissioner of Police Vikram Jeet Duggal, who crooned Tu meri zindagi hai... from the 1987 Hindi film Ashiqui during the first anniversary of the formation of the Commissionerate a few days ago. He was singing karaoke, but conclusively proved that he was a talented singer.
In August, Adilabad Superintendent of Police M. Sreenivas had revealed himself to be a keen singer during his birthday celebrations at his official residence. Pal pal dil ke paas tum rahti ho... he sang the famous number from the Hindi oldie Blackmail and danced to the song Mai hoon don, mai hoon don... from the Amitabh Bachchan blockbuster Don.
Mr. Sreenivas also watches movies in local theatres often with Adilabad Collector Buddha Prakash M. Jyoti, who is a film buff too. The SP also eats out, an activity that was considered a rarity among bureaucrats in the past.
Also a talented singer and more active of the lot is Kumram Bheem Asifabad District Collector M. Champalal, who has dabbled in the film and TV world before making it to the Civil Services. He has, on record, said that he would have become an actor had he not made it to the coveted segment of the public service.
Mr. Champalal came to light when he danced during the second State Formation Day when he was Joint Collector of Ranga Reddy district. Another JC in RR district, Amrapali Kata, at present the Warangal Urban district Collector, also danced during the same event.
Ms. Kata is also known for her love for adventure sports, like rock climbing and trekking.