Inaugural Message from Mr. K.M.Chandrasekhar IAS, former Cabinet Secretary, Government of India (2007-2011)

   In all the different positions that I have occupied, in the State and in the Centre, I have come across many, many young officers from different Services who have made signal contributions to the nation quietly, unknown except to those whose lives they touched. The country’s journey towards digitalisation in governance probably started in the Income Tax Department, who first introduced electronic processing of returns, thus cutting the nexus between the assessed and the assessing officer. I have seen the significant changes that took place in Customs processing through electronic data interchange. In the Railways, ticketing, reservation, and services in general have undergone unbelievable change. India Post has virtually reinvented itself and has taken on responsibilities and transformed its work culture admirably. Behind all these changes, and many more, there have been civil servants, working with steely determination and unflinching enthusiasm, dedicated to the cause of change.

   As Cabinet Secretary, I visited several States and came across many officers in far flung districts who have made a difference to the lives of people in innumerable ways. As chairman of the screening committee for PM’s awards for excellence in public administration, I became directly aware of great work done by officers of different Services. More recently, as member of a jury for selection of district magistrates for awards to be given by the Indian Express, I was once again impressed by the quality of commitment district magistrates in different parts of the country display.

In my working life, which has continued without end for close to half a century, I have seen enthusiasm and energy amongst all sections of people, be they in the corporate sector, the financial sector or in civil society. The sprouting of business incubators and startups in all parts of the country reveals the fact that now ambitious and enterprising people are willing to take risks and venture boldly into new areas that even the best among us feared to tread until a few years ago. The increasing impatience shown by civil society in throwing out outmoded thoughts and practices is a harbinger of major changes round the corner, changes that are recognised even by the judiciary. Scientists, doctors, engineers, technicians, businessmen, entrepreneurs - all are thinking differently, working differently, bringing out new products, new technologies, new ways of doing things.

Positivevibes can be a game changer. It can give an outlet to inspired people in all walks of life to bring to public notice the amazing changes that they have been able to make in society. I am happy that Mrutyunjay is clear that his new product will only publicise positive stories. Negativism in mainline media is creating an atmosphere of heavy depression in the country. If all of us can combine together to create one channel for communication of achievement to all, if all of us patronise this new and positive venture, we can perhaps lift the gloom collectively and contribute to the happiness of our countrymen.

NOPE