Durga Shakti Nagpal

Durga Shakti Nagpal, is a celebrated IAS officer belonging to the Uttar Pradesh cadre. She is known for spearheading the largest crackdown against the dreaded illegal sand mafia of Noida region, an industry worth Rs 22,000 crore yearly. Her actions against the notorious sand mafia sent panic alarms and chills into their spines. Her continuous mid night raids conducted over a span of several days have been unparalleled in the country’s history and were lauded all across. When she was threatened, physically attacked and hastily removed from her post, there was a national upsurge in support of her and the entire country prayed for her safety. She was on the cover page for several days on national newspapers like Times of India and Hindustan Times. Her name was google searched record no. of times in a week beating the then record of Sachin Tendulkar. This country wide movement in support of her was seen as a major victory against corruption and criminalisation of politics. She is also the youngest to be awarded Woman of The Year award by Economic Times.

Durga Shakti is also credited with overhauling government health and education systems. Her unique approach to sensitize and motivate doctors and teachers in government hospitals and schools took these fundamental service deliveries to the last mile achieving highest levels of efficiency which was so far un-thought of in government set ups.

Her contribution to environment is exceptional. She is credited with undertaking massive plantation drive of 25 lakh plants in a record 7 days time during her tenure in Mathura as Chief Development Officer. What sets her initiative unique from the rest is that she accorded highest priority to after-care of the young saplings through proper and professional watering and manuring.

She has also served as Officer on Special Duty to Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister and as Dy CEO of India Brand Equity Foundation where she propounded Mission Brand India.

Durga Shakti is also a motivational speaker with frequent invites from the TED portal and other student communities. Apart from her professional career as an IAS officer, she is also often engaged in philanthropic activities, and is a lover of literature, poetry and fitness. Her motto in life is: Born to Serve.

Her social media handles are @DurgaShaktiIAS on twitter and Durga Shakti Nagpal on LinkedIn. She can also be reached on nagpaldurga@gmail.com