Amritsar: Amid devastating floods in Punjab’s Amritsar district, IAS officer Sakshi Sawhney (2014 batch, Punjab cadre), the district’s first woman Deputy Commissioner, has emerged as a symbol of hope and leadership. Her hands-on involvement in relief operations has not only brought critical support to the affected areas but also touched the hearts of the local people—especially women and elders, who embraced her with gratitude and emotion.
Warm Reception from Locals During Relief Inspection
As the floodwaters disrupted lives across Amritsar, DC Sakshi Sahni personally reached flood-hit villages to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. Her presence served as a balm for many struggling families. In one particularly moving moment, women hugged her in tears, and elders blessed her—visibly touched by her humane approach and on-ground engagement.
Her approach reaffirmed the growing trust between administrators and the people in times of crisis.
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An Inspirational Civil Services Journey
Academic Excellence: 8 Gold Medals in Law
A 2014-batch IAS officer Sawhney secured All India Rank 6 in UPSC CSE 2013. A native of Punjab, she comes from a family deeply rooted in public service—her father is a retired IRS officer, and her mother is a school principal. Her sister works in the banking sector.
Sakshi graduated with a BA LLB degree from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, where she topped her batch, bagging an impressive 8 gold medals. Her early inclination was toward law, but she soon realised that her skills and education could be used more meaningfully in the civil services.
Missed Selection in First Attempt, Bounced Back Stronger
Sakshi gave her first attempt in 2012 while she was still in college but narrowly missed the final selection due to low marks in the Essay paper.
However, she did not let this deter her. Drawing inspiration from Gitanjali Brandon, another UPSC topper with a similar background and optional subject (Law), Sakshi decided to redouble her efforts. Her hard work and refined strategy paid off when she cracked the exam in her second attempt in 2013 with AIR 6, the same rank as her inspiration.
Sakshi Sawhney’s Leadership During Crisis Reflects UPSC Ethos
Sakshi’s compassionate and courageous response during the Amritsar floods highlights the very spirit of public service that UPSC aspires to instill in India’s future administrators. From being an academic achiever to becoming a people’s administrator, she stands as a role model for aspiring civil servants.
Her efforts underscore how real leadership lies not just in policy-making, but in showing up for people when it matters most.
