To a woman, nothing is more beautiful than giving birth to a child. At the same time, it is as painful as a journey to hell. However, for Saumya Pandey, IAS, pain of thousands of people in her area matter more than her own list-delivery pans. She forfeited her maternity leave to join the office within 14 days of giving birth to a baby girl.
Presently posted as the SDM of Modinagar in Ghaziabad district, Saumya came to office with her 14 days old bundle of joy. She took only 22 days leave though she was entitled to six months maternity leave. She this demonstrated an exemplary dedication, passion and determination. Her decision set an example and proved that nothing is impossible for a woman.
She said in an interview that these are difficult times because of Covid-19 and she had to be present to deal with the situation. According to her, ‘Getting rest can wait for now but work can’t.
Before her, another IAS Srijana Gummalla also joined the office with her 22-days old infant to join forces against the corona virus. She has also put her photo with her new born baby as DP in her Twitter account.
Ms. Pandey hails from Prayagraj and was a electrical engineer before cracking the UPSC civil services exam. She secured fourth rank in UPSC 2016 at the age of just 23.
She was chosen as the nodal officer for Covid-19 in Ghaziabad and took this responsibility from July to September. She took leave in September. Now, she is back with full force. It is inspiring to see her work while her baby enjoys a nap in her lap.
She said in an interview the responsibilities have increased on every officer because of Covid. She is an IAS and had to take every responsibility. Ms. Saumya is also very humble about all these as she say that many women across the country specifically in rural and sub-urban areas work till the delivery is close.
After birth, they start their professional and household work accordingly. She also think she is lucky and have the blessings of the God & elderly to be back in field even though she had to go through c-section.
Ms. Pandey has also said that her pregnancy became easier and she was able to come back early only with the help and support of her family as well as the staff members of the tehsil.
