When 2011 batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, Dr. Waghmare Prasad Krishna, was posted as the Deputy Commissioner of Lohardaga, Jharkhand, he was fully aware of the region’s long-standing issues: Naxal activity, limited opportunities, and a youth population teetering on the edge of directionlessness.
But he wasn’t going to let those challenges define the future of Lohardaga.
“We wanted to focus on the youth and steer them in the right direction so that the situation improves over time,” he says. Together with the Superintendent of Police, Dr. Krishna laid the foundation for a bold, people-first plan that would touch education, sports, skill development, and mentorship, all provided free of cost.
The goal? Create meaningful pathways for young people so they don’t feel lost or fall into the wrong hands. In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, he shares details regarding the same.
OPENING DOORS TO DREAMS
One of the standout interventions under Dr. Krishna’s leadership has been the launch of free coaching for NEET and JEE aspirants, high-stakes exams that determine admission into top medical and engineering colleges in India.
“We initiated this program for students who wanted to become doctors and engineers but couldn’t afford expensive coaching,” he shares. Students were welcomed without fees, and when the number of applicants surged, they were divided into multiple batches. If capacity was exceeded, a selection process was introduced by the teaching faculty.
The results have already begun to show. Two students recently cleared the JEE Main and qualified for the Advanced level, a proud moment for the entire district.
But coaching was only the first step. To provide a calm and focused study environment, a dedicated library was set up where aspirants could study for hours. And what truly sets this apart is the personal involvement of district officers.
“All of us – IAS, IPS, and state service officers – regularly interacted with students at the library. We shared our own experiences and guided them through their preparation,” he told Indian Masterminds.
LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD WITH SPORTS
Understanding that not every child dreams of cracking an exam, Dr. Krishna also prioritized sports. Professional training centers were launched across the district, catering to cricket, wrestling, athletics, and football.
What’s impressive is the way the coaches for these centers were recruited: through open advertisement and a transparent interview process. “We got applications from all over Jharkhand and selected the best candidates to coach our youth,” Dr. Krishna explains.
Today, many of these young athletes are making their mark at the state and national levels. Every time someone wins a medal, the district administration doesn’t just cheer; they honour them, boosting morale and inspiring others.
“And yes, I met them personally too,” he says with a smile. “It was important for them to know we cared, that we were watching, and that we were proud of them.”
DIGITAL LITERACY THAT LEADS TO LIVELIHOODS
For the unemployed and educated youth of Lohardaga, Dr. Krishna introduced a simple but effective intervention: free computer courses. Two centers were launched, one in the Collectorate and one in BS College.
“This is a Central Government-certified foundation-level course that runs for three months,” he explains.
And the impact?
Many of these students are now working in government and private jobs. Some have even gone the entrepreneurial route by setting up Common Service Centers (CSCs). Skills once thought unreachable are now within grasp, creating not just hope but actual income.
MAKING EVERY RESOURCE COUNT
All these programs were achieved within limited resources. “If we had more funds, we could have scaled it further,” Dr. Krishna admits. “But I had a great team, and that made all the difference.”
His ability to bring officers, coaches, and the community together behind a shared mission is what powered the transformation. And it was never a one-time effort; he stayed involved, held regular sessions, and checked on progress himself.
When asked whether he would replicate this model in future postings, he doesn’t hesitate. “Of course. It will be my pleasure to work for the people and take such initiatives forward, wherever I go,” he told Indian Masterminds.
A SPARK THAT WILL KEEP BURNING
Even though Dr. Waghmare Prasad Krishna has now moved on from his post in Lohardaga, the programs he started continue to shape the lives of young people. Whether it’s a student attending computer classes, a NEET aspirant reading late into the night, or a wrestler practicing for her next match, the energy he set in motion still flows through the district.
He didn’t wait for perfect conditions or headlines. He simply began with what was available and with a belief that every child deserves a fair shot at a better life.
In a district once caught in a loop of struggle and silence, Dr. Krishna’s work speaks loudly. And it continues to echo in every success story that takes root in Lohardaga.
