DRIVEN BY DUTY

A Heartfelt Salute to our Newest Nation Builders

What happens when power meets purpose? You get officers who wear their duty as a badge of honor, not their rank. That was the mood at a special event hosted by Snehalaya, where successful candidates of the UPSC and MPSC exams were celebrated for their achievements—not just for cracking tough exams, but for choosing a life of service.

The highlight of this event was a deeply moving address by Sharadchandra Behar, retired IAS officer and former Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh. Having served as a long-time advisor to the Chief Minister and founding Vice Chancellor of two universities, Mr Behar brought wisdom and humility in equal measure. His message to the new officers was simple yet profound:

“Don’t carry the weight of power with pride. Carry it with purpose. Serve with humility and the people you help will remember you forever,” he said.

His wise words echoed our mission at Snehalaya:

To create leaders who serve, not rule. To practise the truest form of empathy that we preach.

Organised under our Yuva Nirman Project and in collaboration with the Rajmudra Competitive Exam Centre, this event celebrated not just the students’ success, but also the support systems behind them—mentors, families, and well-wishers.

We were honored to have Major Rajesh Mandal, Nitin Thade (Retd ZP Officer), Rajmudra Academy Director Nandatai Pandule, social activist Meera Behar, our trustee Sapna Asava, and Rajeev Kumar Singh join us in congratulating the achievers.

A special moment of pride was the felicitation of Kshitij Zaware, who has been selected as the Rotary Club District Governor for 2027–28—yet another example of how dedication to service takes you places.

In 2020, with the support of Shrikant and Ashok Hire and Mrs Shubhangi Dashputre, we established the Shri Sadguru Study Centre in memory of late Advocate G.N. Hire in Mehekari, Ahmednagar. Today, that dream has come full circle as students from this very centre are now entering police services and state-level departments with pride and dignity.

Candidates like Omkar Khuntale, Abhijeet Aher, and Dnyaneshwar Mukhekar shared their honest journeys—marked by struggle, resilience, and the belief that they could.

“With the right guidance, relentless effort, and faith in your mission, any obstacle can be overcome,” they shared.

In a special gesture, our Patient Service Wing at the Sakshama Centre in Kedgaon was renamed the “Meera Sharadchandra Rugnaseva Kaksh,” in honor of selfless civil servants like those celebrated today. The name was unveiled by Major Mandal, and dedicated to all those who give without expecting anything in return.

“It’s not just a name. It’s a promise—to serve the community with integrity,” said Snehalaya trustee, Rajeev Kumar, during the dedication.

This event was more than just a celebration. It was a reminder of why we do what we do. We’re here to nurture leaders, not just rank-holders—to support dreamers who want to serve.

To every student, volunteer, mentor, and civil servant who walks the path of purpose, we see you, we salute you, and we stand by you.

Here’s to building a more just, kind, and empowered India—together.