A group of 10 Indian Administrative Service officers of the 2024 Punjab cadre has begun a statewide Punjab Darshan programme, starting their journey from Anandpur Sahib with prayers at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib.
The officers described the beginning of the programme as a spiritually meaningful moment, calling it a blessed beginning as they sought blessings at one of Sikhism’s most revered sites before beginning their administrative learning tour.
Programme Designed to Build Ground-Level Administrative Understanding
The Punjab Darshan initiative has been planned as part of field exposure for young officers to deepen their understanding of the state beyond classroom training.
The programme aims to familiarise officers with:
• Punjab’s cultural heritage
• Historical legacy
• Regional geography
• Development achievements
• Administrative challenges at grassroots level
During the tour, officers will travel through multiple districts to observe governance systems and public service delivery directly.
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Beginning from the Birthplace of the Khalsa
The officers began their journey from Sri Anandpur Sahib, a place of immense religious and historical importance.
Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is regarded as one of the five Takhts of Sikhism and the birthplace of the Khalsa established by Guru Gobind Singh.
The officers said starting from this sacred place gave special meaning to the programme.
They noted that the spiritual atmosphere and historical legacy of the town added depth to the beginning of their state tour.
Officers Participating in Punjab Darshan
The 10 officers participating in the programme are:
• Abhimanyu Malik
• Shivansh Rathee
• Gurleen Kaur
• Shivansh Asthana
• Pragati
• Lindhiya
• Mukilan
• Harshita Sharma
• Piyusha
• Oishee Mandal
Training Through Direct Exposure
Punjab Darshan is considered an important phase in officer training because it connects administrative theory with field realities.
The officers will observe:
• district administration
• rural development needs
• local governance systems
• social diversity across regions
Officials believe such exposure helps strengthen decision-making and administrative sensitivity early in service.
Focus on Heritage and Governance Together
Unlike conventional district visits, the programme combines cultural learning with governance exposure.
This approach allows officers to understand how history, identity, and public administration interact in Punjab’s social landscape.
