At 56, IAS officer Dr Mahendra Khadgawat, currently serving as the District Collector of Beawar, Rajasthan, has carved a remarkable path that seamlessly blends his love for cricket with a commitment to public service. His story is one of discipline, hard work, and a deep-seated belief in balancing passion with purpose—a narrative that resonates with young dreamers, particularly those who find solace in the rhythm of a cricket bat meeting a ball.
A CRICKETER’S BEGINNINGS WITH A FATHER’S WISDOM
Mahendra Khadgawat’s journey began on the cricket fields of Rajasthan, where his talent as a batsman shone brightly. In the late 1980s, at the age of 18, he started playing competitive cricket, quickly rising through the ranks. By 1992, he had established himself as a force to be reckoned with, becoming the top scorer in the state-level Senior Colvin Shield Tournament for two consecutive seasons. His batting prowess was exceptional, piling up runs that brought him to the doorstep of the Ranji Trophy—Rajasthan’s gateway to cricketing glory.
But behind his sporting success was a guiding force: his father, the late Poonamchand Khadgawat. A strict yet supportive figure, Poonamchand set a clear condition for young Mahendra—cricket could be his passion, but academics had to be his priority. “He told me, ‘Play as much as you want, but you must excel in your studies,’” Dr Khadgawat recalls. This directive shaped his approach to life. While his peers might have spent hours solely on the field, Mahendra carried his books and notes to practice, studying between matches. This discipline not only ensured academic success but also instilled a lifelong habit of balancing multiple responsibilities.
THE TRANSITION
In 1992, at the peak of his cricketing career, Dr Khadgawat faced a defining moment. He appeared for the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) examination—and cleared it on his first attempt. At just 22, he stepped away from the cricket field to don the hat of a government officer, becoming the first cricketer from Rajasthan to join the state administrative services after such a promising sporting career. “It wasn’t an easy choice,” he admits. “But I knew I wanted to serve the people, and this was the path to do it.”
Over the next three decades, Dr Khadgawat served in various departments, leaving a mark wherever he went. In 2004, he cleared another RPSC examination, this time earning the role of Director of the State Archives. Under his leadership, the department underwent a transformative change—he spearheaded the creation of India’s first digital archive, a project that gained international recognition. In 2017, the United States invited him to share his work, applauding his innovative approach to preserving history.
Yet, Dr Khadgawat’s ambition didn’t stop there. In 2022, after 30 years in state services, he achieved another milestone—selection into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) through lateral entry from other services. At 55, he became an IAS officer, a rare feat that showcased his relentless drive. His first posting as an IAS officer was as the State Director of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, followed by his appointment as Beawar’s District Collector in September 2024.
LESSONS FROM THE FIELD
Dr Khadgawat’s journey offers valuable lessons for the youth, which he sums up in four words: discipline, hard work, trust in oneself, and eventual success. “If you have these, victory is certain,” he says with conviction. His life exemplifies this philosophy. The discipline instilled by his father ensured he never compromised on his education, even as he chased cricketing glory. His hard work paid off in every examination he took, from RPSC to UPSC. And his trust in his abilities allowed him to take on challenges others might have shied away from, like transitioning to the IAS at an age when most officers are nearing retirement.
A CRICKETER AT HEART, A LEADER AT SERVICE
Even as a high-ranking bureaucrat, Dr Khadgawat’s love for cricket never faded. In 2010, the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) appointed him as the manager of the Rajasthan Ranji team—a role he embraced with the same passion he once brought to the field as a player. Under his management, the team clinched the Ranji Trophy title, a historic achievement for Rajasthan. Dr Khadgawat was there for every match, from the first game to the final, earning praise from captain Aakash Chopra for his meticulous planning and leadership. “It was a proud moment,” he reflects. “Cricket gave me so much, and I was able to give back to the game.”
His contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. The Rajasthan government honoured him with two awards for his exemplary service, a recognition of his dual legacy in sports and administration.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
Today, as Beawar’s District Collector, Dr Mahendra Khadgawat continues to inspire those around him. His office is a hub of activity, but he remains approachable, often sharing stories of his cricketing days with young officers and students. He believes his journey can motivate others to pursue their dreams without losing sight of their responsibilities. “I want the youth to know that you can follow your passion—be it cricket or anything else—but never neglect your education or your duty,” he says.
