3 Review(s)

A Portrait of the IAS as a Young Man is a deeply introspective, honest, and field-tested account of life as a newly appointed Indian Administrative Service officer. In a nation as vast and complex as Bharat, governance is not a theory—it is lived, often under pressure, amidst unpredictability, and with great responsibility. This book captures those exact moments.Through chapters like “The Pandemic: Covid Diaries” and “Don't Become What You Hated”, Naveen Kumar Chandra (IAS) takes readers through the intimate, raw, and often emotional journey of entering public service. It’s not just a professional memoir—it’s a life unfolding in real-time. Whether it’s learning the value of time, embracing solitude, finding purpose in art and writing, or navigating bureaucratic rigidity, each chapter is a lesson in self-discovery and duty.This book isn’t just for future civil servants—it’s for anyone who believes in public service, compassion, and nation-building. With real stories from the field, reflections on leadership, and hard-earned wisdom, it stands as a tribute to the unsung spirit of India’s administrative backbone—the IAS.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Civil Servant’s Soul Laid BareThis is not your typical IAS success story. It's human, deeply reflective, and at times profoundly moving. From Covid fieldwork to inner discipline, every page made me pause and think. A true inspiration for youth aspiring to serve!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Real, Raw, and RemarkableI've never read a civil servant’s story this personal. Naveen Kumar Chandra doesn’t just talk about duty—he lives it. The book gave me a window into what really shapes a good officer, and why the IAS is not just a job, but a calling.Key PointsReal-life stories from a young IAS officer, offering rare field insights into Indian governance.Reflects on leadership, time management, and emotional growth in public service.Includes powerful pandemic-era experiences and ethical challenges from the ground.Connects art, solitude, reading, and writing to building personal resilience as a civil servant.A motivational read for civil service aspirants, educators, and all who value nation-building.