Its with mixed feelings that I observe Civil Services Day today.
The concept is good, but it is sad to see how people from one service have monopolized Civil Services Day.
It's as though the rest of us don't do anything, apart from pushing dusty files from one table to another.
I do not celebrate the day: for me, as for so many others, it commemorates the step-motherly treatment we receive, both in pay, allowances, perks and promotions. Most importantly, the very limited areas we have leave us virtually no scope to give real public service.
So much was promised to us as young men with stars in our eyes, and those eyes have now dimmed with unshed tears. Its a death of of a thousand cuts, each unkind cut coming in a different way every day.
Someday, some way, things will change. Both officers and the people of India will receive justice, and good administration. After all, did not the Soviet empire crumble? Did not Rome's rule end? As did Pax Britannica?
The concept is good, but it is sad to see how people from one service have monopolized Civil Services Day.
It's as though the rest of us don't do anything, apart from pushing dusty files from one table to another.
I do not celebrate the day: for me, as for so many others, it commemorates the step-motherly treatment we receive, both in pay, allowances, perks and promotions. Most importantly, the very limited areas we have leave us virtually no scope to give real public service.
So much was promised to us as young men with stars in our eyes, and those eyes have now dimmed with unshed tears. Its a death of of a thousand cuts, each unkind cut coming in a different way every day.
Someday, some way, things will change. Both officers and the people of India will receive justice, and good administration. After all, did not the Soviet empire crumble? Did not Rome's rule end? As did Pax Britannica?