Gujarat planning secy retires without plans

It was like a cultural shock for Delhi University pass-out, Varun Nath Maira, when he got his first posting as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Gujarat cadre
in 1977.
 

The young bureaucrat, who was raised in a Punjabi family in the Hindi heartland of UP completed his college in Delhi. He had never visited Gujarat before taking on his first assignment. But after spending more than 35 years in Gujarat, this seasoned babu wants to settle down in Ahmedabad only to pay back to the society, which has adored him wholeheartedly. In a candid conversation with Paras K Jha, the officer goes down memory lane to recall his college years, his initial days as an assistant collector in Bharuch and the last phase of his service as additional chief secretary of planning department in Gujarat government.

College days
“As a university topper, apart from Economics, I was also active in extracurricular activities. I was active in theatre, Hindi Sanskrit Sahitya Sabha and Gandhi Study Circle. I was a strong debater and used to participate in debates and that’s how I met Arun Jaitley. We used to debate at various forums. He was from Shri Ram College. I came from various discussion and intellectual debate groups. In my theatre, I was active in backstage activities like lighting and direction.”

Post college
I appeared in the civil service examination soon after my master’s degree. I had time of only three months. While waiting for UPSC results, I applied in various institutions for job and received appointment letters too.

I was selected by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as Grade ‘B’ officer directly. I was offered appointments as Probationary Officer in SBI and Standard Chartered Bank. I was also ranked 13th in the merit list of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) for the management course, but since I didn’t want to pursue career in management, I didn’t pursue it. So, I chose to teach economics for one year. Soon I was selected in the services and after training I was placed in Gujarat cadre.

Gujarat then
It was like a cultural shock for me, as Gujarati society during those times was much more inward-looking. There was vegetarianism, Gandhism, people’s obsession with ice-cream and little less concern about sanitation. There was strong Gandhian culture in the state. All the political leaders used to wear Khadi. The Red and Yellow lights on the vehicles of ministers and collectors were not at all visible. There were fewer cars and more scooters with side cars on the roads. Very few restaurants in Ahmedabad used to serve non-vegetarian food. Most of the elite people used to send their kids to CN Vidyalaya for studies.

Gujarat now
Now the image of Gujarat and Gujaratis has changed completely — right from the eating to clothing habits. Ahmedabad is amongst the top cosmopolitan cities of the country.

Now, politicians don’t wear Khadi and government offices have got swanky corporate look. Earlier, communal riots were frequent and areas like Navrangpura, Ghatlodia were not part of the city, now there is communal peace and minds of Gujarati people have opened up. Perception of Gujaratis has changed significantly. A simple Gujarati society is now showing off with luxurious cars, branded fashionable clothing, spending money.

Gujaratis have acquired confidence but thanks to their simple nature, it has not resulted into arrogance.

Post-retirement plans
I was completely cut off from theatre activity for last 15 years. I used to have theatre workshops in NID, CEPT, NIFT earlier. We also had a group called ‘Playcart’ where we used to charge ticket of Rs2 for our shows. But I developed my hobby for photography. I am interested in archaeology and ancient Indian history.

My two books on Champaner and Dholavira have been published and presently I am working on the book of early Hindu Temples of Gujarat between 6th and 11th centuries. I have already worked for more than 36 years, so I am looking forward to not working. I don’t want to plan my retirement life as I want enjoy life, as it comes to me. But I want to pay back to Gujarati society through helping some NGOs through my skills.