2024-batch IAS officers begin ‘Punjab Darshan’ to understand state’s heritage and grassroots realities
Start Journey with Prayers at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Call It a ‘Blessed Beginning’
Parmod Bharti
Sri Anandpur Sahib (Punjab), March 30, 2026: A group of 10 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers of the 2024 Punjab cadre has embarked on a statewide “Punjab Darshan” programme, beginning their journey from the historic town of Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The young officers paid obeisance at the revered Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, seeking blessings at the birthplace of the Khalsa before setting out on their learning tour across the state.
The initiative is designed to give the officers a deeper understanding of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage, history, geography, and achievements, while also exposing them to real-time governance challenges at the grassroots level. During the tour, they will travel across various regions to observe development needs and administrative functioning firsthand.
Describing the experience as deeply spiritual and inspiring, the officers said they felt fortunate to begin their journey from Sri Anandpur Sahib, a place of immense historical and religious significance. They noted that the land carries the legacy and presence of the Guru Sahib, making the start of their journey especially meaningful.
The officers participating in the programme include Abhimanyu Malik, Shivansh Rathee, Gurleen Kaur, Shivansh Asthana, Pragati, Lindhiya, Mukilan, Harshita Sharma, Piyusha, and Oishee Mandal.
The “Punjab Darshan” marks an important phase in their training, aimed at strengthening administrative skills through on-ground exposure and a closer understanding of the state’s diverse realities.