First IAS Officer of India, Life, Contributions, Achievements

Satyendranath Tagore was the First IAS Officer of India, Besides being a Civil Servant he was also a composer, poet, writer and social reformer. His achievement still serves as an inspiration for the youth of today who aspires to join the steel frame of India.

First IAS Officer of India Early Life

First IAS Officer of India Satyendranath Tagore was born on 1 June 1842 in Calcutta, India. He was the eldest son of Maharishi Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi. Born into the illustrious Tagore family, this elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore, like others in the family was exposed to liberal, multicultural and progressive thoughts early on. Growing up in an environment of reformist zeal and intellectual vigor, Satyendranath Tagore was deeply influenced by the progressive ideals of the Brahmo Samaj, which emphasized monotheism, social reform through education, Women empowerment and advocated against caste system.

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First IAS Officer of India Education

First IAS Officer of India Satyendra Nath Tagore received his early education at Presidency College in Kolkata. Being the foremost centre of Western education in British India, the college influenced his mind and thoughts deeply. Satyendranath Tagore excelled academically in subjects like literature, philosophy, and the social sciences.

First IAS Officer of India Journey

In 1862, Satyendranath Tagore sailed to England to appear for the Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination, which was then conducted exclusively in London at that time. The process was arduous and designed to especially favour the British Candidates. In 1863, he smashed all racial barriers by becoming the First Indian Civil Servant in India. This marked a historic moment in India’s colonial history and paved the way for other Indians who dreamt of serving their country within its governance framework. 

Faced with racial discrimination and cultural isolation on a regular basis, his indomitable spirit and the zeal to bring in positive change helped him navigate his way among Britishers who felt ruling India was their birthright.

First IAS Officer of India Social Contributions

Apart from being the First IAS Officer of India, Satyendranath Tagore was a polymath. As a Tagore he was congenitally blessed with linguistic flair and philosophical prowess. 

• His essays centred around bold themes like cultural modernization and gender equality and fused together Eastern and Western thoughts.
• He translated the works of Rumi, Hafiz, Shakespeare and Byron to Bengali thus expanding the intellectual horizon of general public
• His songs combined Indian Ragas with Western tunes. His song ‘Mile Sabe Bharat Santan, Ektan Gago Gaan’ is often considered first National Anthem
• Being in the administration now, he was instrumental in making policies centred around women empowerment and banishing the caste system.

First IAS Officer of India Legacy

Despite being part of the British colonial administration, SatyendranathTagore was sympathetic to Indian needs and aspirations. His firm commitment to justice and integrity and mere presence in the ICS was a source of pride and inspiration for Indians and served as a symbol of what could be achieved with perseverance and education.

He judiciously also used his position to bring about social reform, especially in areas of women’s education and empowerment, and advocated modern education among Indians.

India’s First Female IAS Officer

Much after the First IAS Officer of India came the First Female IAS Officer Anna Rajam Malhotra in 1951. She received Padma Bhushan for her exemplary service to the nation. A Madras Cadre IAS Officer, during her career spanning over 30 years she worked with 2 prime ministers and 7  different chief ministers. 

Early Life

Born in 1924 in kerala’s Ernakulam district, Anna completed her education in Kozhikode and went on to Madras university for degree course in English Literature. At the age of 25 she appeared for the Civil Services Exam and cleared it in first attempt itself. Despite social norms forcing her to choose IFS, she chose IAS and joined as sub- collector of Tirupattur in Madras state under then CM C. Rajgopalachari. She went on to become first female secretary in central government, setting a precedent for future generations of women.

Achievements

Anna played instrumental role in a number of infrastructural projects in India in that period

• As a chairperson she was pivotal in development of JawaharLal Nehru Port
  Trust 
• She made significant contributions to planning and execution of Mumbai- Pune expressway which boosted regional connectivity and was one of India’s first 6 lane concrete highways. 
• Worked in leadership capacity in organization of 1982 Asian Games which turned out to be huge success
• Was an enthusiastic advocate of women in Public Service and mentored numerous young women for the same.
• Served in Senior positions in Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Education and Culture
• For her varied and pioneering contributions she was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1989

 She left for her heavenly abode in 2018 at the age of 91. Her unconventional choice of IAS over otherwise offered IFS and District Incharge over the offered Secretariat job makes her a true female icon and force to reckon with by the women of today.