By Parshant Chohan :

Duty Above All: Even in Illness

Over the past year, Ms Sawhney has displayed a level of commitment rarely seen in public service. Even while suffering from fever, cough, and throat infections, she never took leave. Colleagues recall how she reported to work with the same energy, refusing to compromise the needs of the public for her personal rest. “The district cannot stop just because I am unwell,” she is said to have remarked – a sentiment that reflects her extraordinary sense of duty.

Discipline and Long Hours

Her routine itself has become a point of admiration within government circles. Almost every day, she arrived at her office between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m. and continued till 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.. After returning home, she would often work late into the night from her camp office, reviewing files, monitoring reports, and ensuring no lapse in administration. For her, governance was not a nine-to-five responsibility but a round-the-clock mission.

Ground-Level Connection

Unlike many officers who rely solely on reports, Ms Sawhney chose to be on the ground. She walked through narrow village lanes, sat with farmers in their fields, listened to women in community meetings, and directly understood the pain and struggles of ordinary people. This hands-on approach helped her craft solutions rooted in reality, not just policy papers. Citizens often recall her presence as reassuring – a sign that government was not distant, but present right beside them.

Governance with a Human Touch

Her year was marked by reforms that strengthened governance in Amritsar. She streamlined Seva Kendras for quicker service delivery, introduced farmer-centric innovations like the Kisan Priority Card, and made administrative offices more accountable. Governance under her leadership has been described as “transparent, efficient, and people-oriented” – a blend of law, order, and compassion.

Her presence was not about authority, but about empathy. Citizens, especially those in rural Amritsar, often remark that her leadership has “restored faith in governance”.

Floods: The Test of Leadership

The defining moment of her tenure came during the devastating floods of Punjab. In Amritsar alone, 200 villages and more than 60,000 acres of farmland were affected. While others slept, she did not. Officials recount that during the peak of the floods, she did not sleep peacefully even for a single night, staying awake to monitor rainfall, inspect breaches, and coordinate relief operations.

In the midst of heavy rain, she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with flood-hit families. From arranging specialist mobility vehicles to plugging dangerous breaches, every step bore her stamp of urgency and resolve. As a result, the national media carried headlines of her relentless efforts, while ordinary citizens described her as “a ray of hope in the darkest of nights.”

Strengthening Urban Governance

Alongside rural initiatives, she devoted special attention to Amritsar Municipal Corporation. Known for its civic challenges – from waste management to urban infrastructure – the Corporation saw visible improvements under her guidance. She pressed for stricter monitoring of sanitation drives, improved public grievance redressal mechanisms, and encouraged the use of technology for efficiency.

Her insistence on cleanliness drives, transparent tenders, and accountable ward-level administration gave a fresh momentum to the city’s governance. Citizens noted that for the first time in years, there was a sense of urgency in tackling municipal issues – from roads and drainage to basic civic amenities.

Recognition Across the Nation

Her work did not go unnoticed. National media hailed her flood management as a “model of responsive administration”, while local organisations honoured her with public appreciation for bridging the gap between government and citizens. Editorials praised her ability to balance immediate crisis management with sustainable policy-making.

Looking Forward

As she begins her second year, the expectations from her leadership continue to grow. Citizens look forward to further improvements in disaster preparedness, infrastructure, and people-centric policies. But if the past year is any indication, Ms Sawhney will continue to serve with the same discipline, empathy, and unrelenting energy.

The Legacy of Her First Year

The story of IAS Sakshi Sawhney’s first year in Amritsar is more than a record of administrative tasks. It is a story of a leader who:

• Worked tirelessly despite illness.

• Dedicated long hours, often late into the night.

• Went to the ground to understand the people’s pain.

• Strengthened both rural administration and the Municipal Corporation.

• Governed with transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

• Stood by citizens during the worst floods in decades, without a moment’s rest.

This is not just governance. This is service in its truest sense.

Under her leadership, the entire Amritsar district has witnessed a wave of reforms and people-centric initiatives. From streamlining services to strengthening accountability, her efforts have not only improved governance but also restored public faith in the administration.

September 15, 2025 | Monday | Amritsar

From the field to the office – a glimpse into her tireless service for the people.