Born in Ludhiana, Punjab, and raised across India due to his father’s postings in the Air Force, 2015 batch IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Apoorv Devgan, the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, has had a life shaped by movement, diversity, and learning. “I studied in schools across the country,” he says, reflecting on the transient yet enriching experiences of his childhood. His mother, a dedicated educator, retired as the Joint Director of Technical Education in Haryana, a lineage of service and scholarship that clearly left its mark.
After completing his higher education at the prestigious Delhi School of Economics, Apoorv joined Bharat Petroleum but soon realized that his real calling lay elsewhere.
THE DREAM THAT DIDN’T GIVE UP
“The Indian Administrative Service gives you the widest scope to impact lives,” says Apoorv. His first attempt at the UPSC didn’t even see him clear prelims. The second got him into the Indian Railway Traffic Service. But the hunger for IAS persisted – and he cracked it in his third attempt with AIR-61.
He doesn’t romanticize the struggle, though. “Compared to so many others preparing from rural India or difficult circumstances, I had fewer obstacles,” he says humbly. But what made all the difference was access to good libraries.
THE QUIET CATALYST: LIBRARIES
Libraries, Apoorv says, were pivotal to his success. “In Delhi School of Economics and later in Chandigarh, I depended heavily on libraries for focused study, away from distractions.”
So, when he was posted to Himachal Pradesh, a state defined by its beautiful yet scattered terrain, he realized one glaring gap: lack of public study spaces in rural areas. In metros, a single library can serve thousands. But in Himachal’s hills, where the population is sparse and towns are far-flung, localized libraries are vital.
Thus, was born his mission to build libraries in every district he serves.
APNA PUSTAKALAY: LIBRARIES BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
The concept is as elegant as it is impactful. Apoorv started “Apna Pustakalay” (Our Library) with just one reading space in Banjar, Kullu. Then came Karsog in Mandi. Soon, 15 libraries were set up in Chamba district, and now he’s working on 10 more in Mandi.
What sets these libraries apart is their community-driven model. “Most of these are located near administrative offices. We create student committees to manage them. That gives them a sense of ownership and discipline,” he shared with Indian Masterminds.
One such library in Karsog has been running for seven years now, entirely maintained by local students. This year, it’s being shifted to a larger space, proof of its success.
FIGHTING SCREENS WITH STORIES — AND WI-FI
With social media, OTT platforms, and endless notifications eating into attention spans, how does one make libraries attractive to the youth?
“It’s tough,” Apoorv admits. “But it starts with purpose. Students preparing for exams or passionate about learning—they’re the ones who will walk into a library. They just need the space and quiet.”
To address the digital generation’s needs, his libraries are being equipped with internet access, combining the best of offline focus and online resources.
“Earlier, aspirants had to go to Delhi. Now, access to online material means even a student in a Himachali village can prepare for UPSC, NEET, JEE—you name it.”
AN OPEN APPEAL
Ending on a heartfelt note, Apoorv says, “We need all the help we can get.” He invites individuals across India to donate books—academic, general knowledge, fiction, and non-fiction—to help build these havens of learning.
“If you’re done with your preparation, don’t let your books gather dust. Send them to DC Mandi. We’ll make sure they reach someone who needs them,” he appeals through Indian Masterminds.
A DC WITH A VISION BEYOND FILES
In a world increasingly caught up in digital chaos, IAS Apoorv Devgan is quietly building oases of calm and concentration, one library at a time. His vision isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about giving rural youth a fair shot at success through the simple, powerful act of reading.
As he puts it, “In a country like ours, where merit still opens doors, libraries are not a luxury; they’re a necessity.”
Want to Contribute? Send your books to:
Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh or you can also connect with them through [email protected]
Let your old books write someone else’s new chapter.
