Navigating Stress: Strategies for Top Civil Servants to Manage Pressure
In bureaucratic circles, especially among his peer group of the 1996 batch of IAS recruits, Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, 52, commissioner of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), has earned the moniker of ‘Project Man of Maharashtra’. Despite overseeing top infrastructure projects in the state, such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and Mumbai Coastal Road, Mukherjee’s passion lies in singing.
Mukherjee’s interest in music dates back to his early school days, where he listened to his father and uncle sing at local functions. This hobby was passed down to him, and his performances became a mainstay at family gatherings. Although untrained, his interest in music has sustained over the years, leading him to start his own YouTube channel a few years ago. Here, he uploads live performances mainly at social and charity events.
His performances have garnered significant attention, with appearances at various prestigious venues such as the Jio Convention Centre, Navi Mumbai’s CIDCO Exhibition Centre, and several other renowned locations across India. Mukherjee’s music repertoire ranges from Bollywood retro to Rabindra Sangeet, often accompanied by his harmonica playing, adding a unique touch to his songs. He records most of his songs on his iPad, finding solace in music as a stress buster amidst his hectic schedule.
On the other hand, R Vimala, the CEO of Khadi and Village Industries, found solace in creative writing, particularly poetry, after the unexpected passing of her mother in 2018. This coping mechanism helped her navigate through personal loss and transform her grief into hope and optimism. Encouraged by an IAS officer friend, she started writing poems in Hindi, eventually publishing her first book of 50 poems titled ‘Mann Rachanaye’.
Vimala’s poetry often delves into themes of suicide, aiming to shed light on the fact that life does not have to end with the end of a dream. By sharing her work on platforms such as YouTube and her blog, she hopes to reach a wider audience and offer a message of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Through her creative outlet, Vimala finds a sense of peace and purpose, allowing her to navigate the challenges of her professional life with a renewed sense of optimism.
Similarly, Manu Kumar Srivastava, the former chief secretary of Maharashtra, found a deep love for music that has accompanied him throughout his life. Despite his demanding career in the civil services, Srivastava continued to pursue his passion for singing, learning new songs regularly and performing at various functions. His dedication to music led him to record cover versions of songs by legendary artists like Mukesh and Kishore Kumar, further solidifying his connection to the art form.
Srivastava’s musical journey evolved over the years, culminating in him recording songs on his laptop and uploading them to his YouTube channel. Despite the constraints of his professional responsibilities, he finds solace in music, allowing him to express himself creatively and unwind after a long day at work. As he transitions into a new role as chief commissioner of Right to Guarantee of Services (RGS), Srivastava continues to prioritize his passion for music, showcasing the harmonious balance between his artistic pursuits and administrative duties.
Nidhi Chaudhary, the commissioner of Skill Development, Employment, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, embodies the fusion of art and administration in her professional journey. A talented painter, Chaudhary’s artistic endeavors have not only garnered acclaim in exhibitions but also inspired her approach to work. By staying true to her childhood interests and actively engaging in painting, she finds a source of energy and creativity that translates into her administrative responsibilities.
Chaudhary’s artistic pursuits have become a testament to her resilience and dedication, especially during challenging times such as postpartum issues and work-related stress. Through her vibrant canvases depicting Indian mythological stories, she shares her passion for art with the world, participating in prestigious exhibitions and integrating her work with charitable causes. As she continues to balance her roles as an artist and administrator, Chaudhary exemplifies the transformative power of creativity in navigating stress and fostering a holistic approach to life and work.
Lastly, Ity Pandey, a trailblazing Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, defied expectations by becoming the first woman bureaucrat in the country to complete the grueling Comrades Marathon in South Africa. Her dedication to endurance sports, particularly long-distance running, showcases her unwavering commitment to pursuing her passion despite demanding work hours and responsibilities.
Pandey’s remarkable achievement in the ultra-marathon reflects her resilience, determination, and ability to overcome challenges both on the track and in her professional life. Through her inspiring journey as a dedicated civil servant and accomplished athlete, she sets an example for others to embrace their passions, prioritize self-care, and navigate stress with grace and determination.
In conclusion, the stories of these top civil servants serve as a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and resilience in managing pressure and navigating stress in demanding professional environments. By embracing their artistic pursuits, whether through music, poetry, painting, or running, these individuals have found solace, inspiration, and a sense of purpose that transcends their daily responsibilities. Their experiences highlight the importance of self-expression, self-care, and personal fulfillment in achieving a harmonious balance between work and life, ultimately leading to enhanced well-being, creativity, and professional success.