In a powerful message to the younger generation, IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe urged them to look beyond social media, stay connected with real-life issues and think critically about their future, while stressing that meaningful administrative change requires a clear understanding of the system before taking action.
Speaking about the growing influence of social media, Mundhe said human beings are social beings and cannot live entirely in isolation.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the period highlighted the importance of human interaction and social connections.
Mundhe also questioned whether people verify information before forwarding it on social media. He urged young people, who are increasingly immersed in technology, reels and virtual content, to remain aware of what is happening around them.
He encouraged the youth to look beyond social media and reflect on larger questions, including what they want for their families, what they can contribute to society and where they want to see themselves a decade from now.
Mundhe also touched upon poverty, describing it as a circumstance rather than a measure of a person's character. He said an individual's character is reflected in the decisions they make when confronted with difficult situations.
Recalling his posting in Barshi during his district training, Mundhe said attempts were made to defame him and register a case against him after he acted against encroachments and worked to widen roads.
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He said such situations forced him to reflect on whether he had done anything wrong by taking action in the public interest.
On administration, Mundhe said officers should not act in haste, but decisions, once taken, must be implemented with speed and efficiency.
Drawing on his 21 years in public service, he said his approach has been to first understand a department, its functioning and the existing system before attempting to introduce changes. He said an officer moving to a new assignment must quickly identify what is working, what needs improvement and how the system can be made more effective.
The objective, he said, should be to improve the system rather than merely become another part of it.
Citing his experience with PMPML, Mundhe said only about 900 of 1,800 buses were operational, despite salaries being paid to drivers and conductors attached to the entire fleet.
Notices were issued and action taken against those who were not working, following which changes were made to the system.
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