Managing Director of AP State Housing Corporation Dr G Lakshmisha, a young dynamic IAS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has carved a niche for himself in Andhra Pradesh as well as Karnataka. Born into a poor agricultural family in Halugondanahalli, a remote village in Tumkur District of Karnataka, he had to battle many odds to become a civil servant. He was initially selected for IFS in 2010. He succeeded in becoming an IAS officer in 2013. In a freewheeling interview with The Pioneer’s C Pradeep Kumar, he spoke about his dreams of serving as a district collector and working for the Government of India.
Happy childhood
Being the youngest in the family, I was the pet kid of my mother, with my three sisters and two brothers doubling up as my first teachers. We all studied in a government primary school — the only one in our village.
Owing to the demise of my father at a very young age, the entire family responsibility was shouldered by my mother, and we continued schooling despite odds. Though there was an overdose of poverty at home, there was no dearth of love, affection, and learnings for life.
Farm activities were the main part of routine beyond school hours. During summer and winter holidays, we used to play gilli-danda and gully games, apart from collecting fuel wood and grazing cattle. Watching movies on Doordarshan on Sundays was the main
weekend entertainment, and that too, if there was no power cut. Our entire village was dependent on one TV of our neighbours for about one decade then. Although ours was a remote village, the pure air there, ground water, and the pristine environment was nourishing. We had good health and happiness.
Childhood dream
As a child I was mesmerized by machines and wanted to become a TV/radio technician. My brother gave me academic targets – at least a master’s degree, doctorate etc. I never knew then what it means to be a Ph D holder. Being a teacher, my brother always used to give examples of Dr BR Ambedkar to highlight the importance of academic excellence as well as the value of education and its impact on life.
Cherished moment in career
Insofar as my service is concerned, the most memorable moment was when I got my posting as Commissioner GVMC, Visakhapatnam. It was a pleasant surprise for me.
Memorable day
One day while I was playing in an agricultural field, I slipped and fell down. A sharp twig of mulberry plant pierced into my lower lip. With blood oozing and intolerable pain, when I saw my mother screaming and rushing towards me to do first aid with a pinch of turmeric, my agony was relegated by my mom’s heart-rending screaming. For three days, mom could not stop cursing the Gods and herself for my injury.
IAS aspirant at IARI
I aspired to become a civil servant during my stint at the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. Until then, my only goal was to obtain doctorate and become a scientist.
Stubborn and possessive child
My mother says that I was keen to learn but stubborn and possessive about my belongings. My parents never had any complaints against me from school or my friends. But I do
remember that one day my mother was all set to beat me up with a stick when I had come home after playing with my friends beyond dusk. I calmly requested my mother to not beat me in front of my friends, but to thrash me more at home. My mother’s anger evaporated into a smile. She used to narrate this incident to our relatives for several years later.
Cracking UPSC examination
I was an average student with my primary education in regional language. There was not much exposure to the competitive world even after my school years. It was typical Government school education and state curriculum all along, but that did not hold me back from pursuing my dreams. I always remember the adage ‘Slow and steady wins the race’. Incremental learning is what I have practiced from school days. I was poor in English due to the Kannada medium of instruction at school. But once I joined Intermediate and later degree colleges, I had to confront English as by then I realized that proficiency in English is essential to excel in academics. I remember the days when I used to jot down class notes in Kannada and later work on them in English at home. At that time, the dictionary was my best friend. After my B Sc degree in Agriculture, I was keen on doing Ph D. I secured University gold medal in M Sc from the Allahabad Agricultural University. I qualified for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship, CSIR SRF for Ph D. Subsequent exposure to seniors and friends preparing for competitive exams prompted me to have a go at Civils. Three attempts were unsuccessful. At that point of time, I started cursing my fate, my poor primary education and rural background. Still, some hope and motivation from seniors kept me afloat. In the third attempt, I gave the interview, but did not make it to the final list. Then in the next attempt, the long wait came to an end when I got All India 275th rank in the 2012 UPSC exam and was allotted IAS. Despite failures, despair, drawbacks, and dejection, one can turn the tide if there is hope. That is what I learnt while cracking Civils. The attitude of never giving up is a must to reach a glorious goal.
Emotional parting
A remote hill top village called Jarada in GL Puram mandal of Vizianagaram district had no road and school. As Project Officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency, it was my duty to ensure that these basic facilities reach all needy people. With government support, many of such villages were connected with motorable roads and schools were built including one in Jarada. The inauguration of the school at Jarada was coincidentally the relieving day for me from that posting. People were emotional. They were praying for my retention as PO. I could only sympathize with them as I had already spent two and half years there in that post.
Marriage
I t was an arranged marriage. My wife, Supreetha (Jnaneshwari), is a homemaker and a cooking enthusiast. She tries new dishes. I am blessed with two children Aadhvi
and Siddharth. They are my little world. Spending time with them is the most preferred weekend activity. Helping them in completing their class assignments, involving them in science experiments, and surprising them with chocolates is how I pass time at the end of a hectic workday
Tackling pressure
Morning yoga or swimming, listening to music, sleeping and spending time with family
Hobbies / passions
I am more inclined towards music and singing activities. My UPSC documented hobby was playing piano, though I never mastered it. However, I do listen to calm and melodious songs. Occasionally I get involved in literary work as well.
Leisure time
When you have kids at home, leisure has no meaning. I read motivational books. If it is a holiday and on long weekends, I visit my native place with kids, spend time in the agricultural fields, lie down under the trees, and spend time with family and friends.
Memory that brings a smile
When I cracked the UPSC examination, my photo was published in the district edition of a Kannada newspaper. My mother has preserved the clipping. She used to show it to everyone who came home for any purpose, saying: “My son has studied so much, his photo came in newspaper”. If any school-going children of relatives came home, then there used to be a full-time class for them as to how they could be like her son. When I recall those moments, I cannot stop laughing.
Family influence
My father Gangamuthaiah and mother Lakshmamma were into agriculture. My three sisters — Janaki, Varalakshmi and Shivaranjani — are homemakers. I have two brothers: Lakkahanumaiah, who is into agriculture; and Venkataravanaiah, who is a school teacher
and my mentor. They are my universe. My brother is a disciplined soldier, nature lover, teacher, and the primary source of motivation for me. Family cohesion was so well that my sisters used to cry while dropping me at school.
Awards and Fellowships
During my career, I have received several awards and fellowships: The Best Project officer award in 2019 from the Government of AP; Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Professional Courses in 2008 from the Government of India; University Gold Medal for Academic Excellence in M Sc 2007 Agri University, Allahabad UP; CSIR/UGC– JRF in 2007 from Government of India. I received IARI-Senior Research Fellowship in 2007 from the Government of India and Junior Research Fellowship 2005 from ICAR, New Delhi.
Lowest moment
When my close relative died due to consequences of liquor addiction
Happiest moment
When my mother broke into tears of joy after I got into IAS
Dealing politicians
My understanding is that they are part and parcel of civil society representing people who voted them to power. The moment we enter into service, interaction with political leaders is a must. Seniors have been a great help to me in understanding their role in day-to-day administration. I listen to them carefully, keeping in mind the requirements of the
administration. If it is permissible under the given circumstances, it will be communicated; otherwise, it will be conveyed in an acceptable way. In all my postings so far, I have had a comfortable journey with all politicians.
Career graph
After training in Kurnool, I got my first posting as Sub-Collector in Nuzvid in erstwhile Krishna district. I am presently discharging duties as MD Housing, Director GSWS since 2022. I was the Commissioner GVMC from 2020 – 21 Vizag and the City secured All India 4th rank in Swachh Survekshan, Joint Collector (Revenue) East Godavari 2019, Project
Officer (Integrated Tribal Development Agency, Parvathipuram) Vizianagaram 2018-19, Sub Collector (Revenue) Nuzvid, Krishna Dist 2016-17, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing GOI Deputation for 3 months 2016, Trainee Collector, Kurnool, 2014-15, Divisional Forest Officer, Salooni, Chamba Dist. Himachal Pradesh 2013 and IFoS Training at Dehradun 2010-12 Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
RAPID FIRE
Describe yourself: Hard working civil servant with human touch
Nickname: Sheshanna
My Siblings: Lakshmi (My seniors)
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite food: Natu Kodi, Ragi Mudda
Favourite movie: The Lions King
Favourite holiday destination: Kashmir Valley
A city you wish to visit: New York
Are you religious/spiritual: Religious, respect democratic ethos
Favourite actor: Dr Rajkumar
Inspiration: Dr BR Ambedkar, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Driving force: Satisfaction derived by the public through service delivery
Plans for next five years: To serve as Collector, work for the Government of India and for an international organization
