In this exclusive interview with Indian Masterminds, IFS officer Pratibha Ahirwar opens up about her journey into uniformed service, driven by a deep-rooted passion for conservation and a family tradition of service. Growing up with an admiration for the uniform, inspired by her Army background and her uncle’s career in the Forest Service, she discusses how her role today is a calling to protect not only the environment but the planet at large. Ms. Ahirwar, a 2017 batch officer, is currently posted as Director, Madhav National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
Watch the full interview here:
With a wealth of experience, she further recounts some of the most challenging operations she has led, particularly in the Northeast, where she navigated complex situations involving language barriers, law enforcement coordination, and intelligence operations. Through her stories, she sheds light on the unique hurdles officers face while serving outside their home state.
Her advice to aspiring women professionals is both empowering and insightful, encouraging them to take on leadership roles in environmental conservation. Ms. Ahirwar emphasizes the importance of bringing more young professionals, especially women, into uniformed services like the Indian Forest Service. She passionately advocates for women’s role in preserving the environment, drawing connections between traditional values of nurturing and the responsibility of safeguarding nature.
