Mandi Board Topper Alisha Thakur Becomes Deputy Commissioner for a Day, Gains First-Hand Experience of Administration.

Shimla:

In a unique initiative aimed at inspiring young achievers and familiarizing them with governance and administration, Alisha Thakur, the Class 10 topper of Mandi district, was appointed Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mandi for a day on Monday. The student from Kotli secured an outstanding 99.57 percent marks in the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education examinations and was given the opportunity as part of a special initiative by Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan.

During her day-long tenure as “Deputy Commissioner,” Alisha actively participated in various administrative activities and gained valuable insights into the functioning of the district administration. She attended public grievance hearings, observed the working style of government officials, and learned about different administrative procedures and decision-making processes.

As part of her official engagements, Alisha participated in the oath-taking ceremony of Panchayati Raj representatives. She also observed the state-wide mega mock drill conducted for disaster preparedness and emergency response, where she reviewed relief and rescue arrangements and understood the roles played by various departments and agencies during emergencies.

On the occasion, Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan honored Alisha with a traditional Himachali cap and shawl in recognition of her academic achievement.

Providing Exposure and Guidance to Children is Essential: Deputy Commissioner

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan said that the initiative was launched to introduce talented students to the administrative and governance systems of the country. He noted that a similar opportunity had been given to the district’s board examination topper last year as well.

He emphasized that children in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in Mandi district, possess exceptional talent and potential. According to him, what they need most is proper exposure and guidance to help them realize their capabilities and achieve their goals.

“Alisha has not only secured the top position in Mandi district but has also emerged as one of the brightest students in the state. Her achievement is a matter of pride for the entire district,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner further stressed that society has a collective responsibility to guide the younger generation in a positive direction. Initiatives like these not only motivate students but also help them understand the functioning of government institutions. With the right encouragement and mentoring, young people can go on to achieve even greater milestones, he added.

Dreams of Becoming an IAS Officer

Expressing her happiness over the experience, Alisha described the opportunity as a memorable and inspiring moment in her life.

“Serving as Deputy Commissioner for a day felt like a dream come true. It has given me fresh motivation to work towards my future goals,” she said.

A student of Oxford School, Kotli, Alisha revealed that her ambition is to become an officer in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). She said that the experience allowed her to closely observe administrative functioning and understand the responsibilities of public officials, which would be highly beneficial in pursuing her career aspirations.

Sharing a message for fellow students, she advised them to evaluate themselves honestly, recognize both their strengths and weaknesses, and remain committed to consistent hard work.

Mother and Teacher Accompany Alisha

Alisha’s mother and school teacher were also present during the event. They expressed pride and happiness over her achievement and the honor bestowed upon her. They noted that such recognition serves as an inspiration for other students and encourages them to strive for excellence in academics and public service.

The initiative has been widely appreciated as a meaningful way to reward academic excellence while giving young minds a practical understanding of governance and leadership, potentially inspiring future administrators and public servants.