BHOJPUR VILLAGE IS A FACTORY FOR THE IAS-PCS

BHOJPUR VILLAGE IS A FACTORY FOR THE IAS-PCS

18-MAY-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------Bagamjhauwa is also defined by a unique local adage. Villagers often remark with a smile, "If you study just a little, you’ll become a *Daroga* (Police Sub-Inspector); but if you study extensively, you’ll become an IAS or IPS officer." A significant number of BPSC officers, professors, doctors, engineers, and military personnel have also emerged from this village. Today, many of the village's youth are fulfilling pivotal roles in administrative and police services across various parts of the country.

Situated in the Koilwar block of Bihar's Bhojpur district, the village of Bagamjhauwa has today carved out a distinct identity for itself across the entire state. With a population ranging between 1,100 and 1,500, the village is now widely known as the "Village of Officers" and the "IAS-IPS Factory." The primary reason for this distinction is the dozens of administrative officers who have hailed from here, bringing glory to their village's name across the nation. Bagamjhauwa is recognized not merely as a geographical location, but as a mindset—a place where education is accorded the highest reverence. The locals firmly believe that neither poverty nor a scarcity of resources can ever serve as a barrier to success, provided that education remains one's ultimate goal. Village elders recount that, ever since India's independence, a unique academic ethos has prevailed in this community. Children grow up listening to stories of high-ranking officials right from their early childhood. Consequently, the aspirations of the village's youth are naturally inclined toward the administrative services right from the very start.

Prominent among those who embody this glorious tradition of Bagamjhauwa is the former Chief Secretary, Sachita Singh. When a son of the village made history by ascending to the pinnacle of administrative power—the post of Chief Secretary of Bihar—he became a beacon of inspiration for the entire community. His success instilled a profound conviction in the village's youth: that even those hailing from a small, humble village can secure a coveted place within the nation's most prestigious administrative services. It is for this very reason that, to this day, the villagers speak of Sachita Singh with immense pride. A remarkable feature of Bagamjhauwa is that, generation after generation, its residents continue to carve a niche for themselves in the administrative services. Abhimanyu Singh, the son of former Chief Secretary Sachita Singh, has also served in the administrative services and is regarded as an inspiration for the village's youth. Another resident of this village, IAS officer Apoorva Kumar Singh, currently holds a significant position at the Election Commission based in Delhi. His wife, Seema Tomar, serves as an ACP in the Delhi Police. Another young man, Utkarsh Prasoon, was also recently selected as an IPS officer. Having secured the 101st rank in the 2013 Civil Services Examination, he is currently posted as an Assistant Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) on central deputation. The presence of both IAS and IPS officers within the same family serves as a major source of inspiration for the village's children. Villagers recount that whenever children see these officers visiting the village during their holidays, big dreams begin to take root within them as well.

Bagamjhauwa is also distinguished by a unique local saying. Villagers often remark with a smile, "If you don't study hard, you'll end up as a *Daroga* (police sub-inspector); but if you study diligently, you'll become an IAS or IPS officer." According to Rajeshwar Singh, a village elder, Bagamjhauwa has produced between 10 and 12 IAS and IPS officers to date. Furthermore, a significant number of BPSC officers, professors, doctors, engineers, and army officers have also emerged from this village. Today, many young people from the village are shouldering key responsibilities in administrative and police services across various parts of the country.

Education in the village is not confined merely to the school curriculum. In every household, one finds an environment conducive to reading newspapers, discussing competitive examinations, and imparting general knowledge to children. Many parents encourage their children to begin preparing for the UPSC and BPSC examinations right from their childhood. The elders recall that in earlier times, children used to study by the light of lanterns and oil lamps; yet, their dedication and hard work never wavered. Today, the fruits of that very hard work are bringing honor and prestige to the entire village. Today, at a time when rural areas face numerous challenges regarding education, Bagamjhauwa has emerged as a shining example for the entire state of Bihar. This village proves that if education is accorded due respect within society and children are provided with the right guidance, even small villages can produce high-ranking officials. The story of Bagamjhauwa is not merely the story of a single village, but rather the story of a mindset—one in which every mother inspires her child to dream of becoming an officer, and every child works tirelessly to turn that dream into reality.