Odisha is witnessing the rise of a cadre of young bureaucratic leaders dedicated to the welfare and development of tribal communities, and at the forefront of this movement is Swadha Dev Singh, the Collector & District Magistrate of Rayagada.
Beyond the corridors of power, Swadha is crafting a legacy of impact and innovation. However, her journey to this pivotal role wasn’t just about scaling the ranks. It’s a narrative etched in the spirit of a childhood dream and a relentless pursuit of a calling. “I wanted to work amongst common people, creating solutions for their problems and avenues for their growth,” she shared.
Swadha’s tale is not just about clearing the UPSC exam on the first attempt; it’s about redefining the rules of the game. Her strategy? Recognizing individual strengths rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach. “People often listen to strategies of others and try to adopt them as is. But everyone has different capabilities,” she asserts.
The spotlight found her earlier this year when she received the Bhoomi Samman-2023 for digitizing land records, a game-changer in resolving land disputes and paving the way for developmental projects. Today, Rayagada stands as a testing ground for the SVAMITVA pilot project, integrating drone technology to empower rural households with a ‘Record of Rights,’ opening avenues for credit and financial services.
Swadha’s educational sojourn, from Lady Shri Ram College to Delhi School of Economics, has sculpted her approach to governance. Her journey through science, psychology, and management has endowed her with a scientific temperament and an empathetic lens, fostering patience toward all sections of society.
Balancing tradition and progress is an art, especially when working with tribal communities. Swadha emphasizes the importance of trusting indigenous communities to guide the way forward. Her experiences echo instances where communities welcomed modern healthcare facilities while cherishing their traditional staple food grains.
In her own words, “Humility is quite often one of the most effective tools in one’s arsenal.” As she continues her service, Swadha Dev Singh’s story becomes a beacon, illuminating the path for a new generation of leaders committed to empowering tribals and transforming the very fabric of India.