The three-and-a-half-year journey of IAS officer Devansh Yadav in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh ended on a very emotional note. People of the district gave a warm farewell to the officer who over time had developed very good relations with them.
The news of his transfer came on 21 April. He will now be serving in another border region – Jammu and Kashmir.
While speaking about his stint in Arunachal Pradesh, Mr. Yadav said, “It was amazing! I was lucky to be in the same district from the beginning till the end, first as Additional Deputy Commissioner and then as the DC, for a period of three and a half years. The experience was full of learnings and immense love from people of the district. I am very grateful to both the CM and the Chief Secretary for giving me this opportunity.”
A video of the officer became popular on Twitter where he was seen dancing with the locals while holding a stick in his hand. Sharing this video, Minister of Law and Justice of India, Mr. Kiren Rijiju tweeted, “From Arunachal Pradesh to Jammu & Kashmir. Young & committed IAS officer Devansh Yadav is leaving Arunachal Pradesh on transfer to J&K but the local people will forever cherish those valuable services he has rendered to the people as Deputy Commissioner.”
FAREWELL WITH CELEBRATION
There is a story behind the emotional farewell of the officer. A year back, the officer had started a campaign to make Changlang free from drugs. During a gram sabha which was held recently, it was concluded that the village would become drug free in the next two months. The people of the village were happy and were in a celebratory mood. However, as Mr. Devansh was transferred, he would not be there to celebrate the drug free status of the village. Hence, a farewell was organised at that particular village.
The officer and the local people had a meal together and, also, did a traditional cultural dance together. Mr. Yadav said, “Largely people were sad, and this gesture is really sweet of them. Over a period of time, you develop local friendships and some of them become like your extended families, especially when you are staying alone. This is the first ever farewell I am receiving as an IAS officer, and I am looking forward for couple of more such farewells in my future postings.”
He had also shared the video and tweeted, “Taking blessings of elders before leaving this beautiful place!”
NEW ASSIGNMENT
With this transfer, the AGMUT-cadre IAS officer will now head to another border region – Jammu and Kashmir. While speaking to Indian Masterminds, he said, “I am looking forward to this new role and the interesting things it will hopefully bring. The terrain is similar to Arunachal Pradesh and so are the nomadic tribes like gujjar bakarwals. So, the high area development challenges will be there. Some of my learnings from Arunachal can be replicated there and, at the same time, I will have some new learnings as well.”
