IITD Alumni Rakesh Gupta and Bhupesh Chaudhary selected for inaugural SpeakIn awards

Dr Rakesh Gupta (BTech/ChemicalEngg/1993) and Bhupesh Chaudhary (MBA/2007) have been recognised by SpeakIn Asia amongst the 10 most distinguished IAS officers who have created impact and inspiration beyond their call of duty. The other officers who feature in the inaugural release picked by an eminent jury are Shri. Amitabh Kant (1980, Kerala Cadre – Celebrating a Lifetime Achievement for a career of exemplary impact), Mr Anil Srivastava (1985, MP Cadre – Excellence in Heavy Industries, Transport & Mobility), Mr Armstrong Pame (2009, Manipur Cadre- Excellence in Public Policy & Governance), Ms Hari Chandana Dasari (2010, Telangana Cadre- Excellence in ESGs, SDGs & Climate Change), Mr Iqbal Singh Chahal (1989, Maharashtra Cadre – Excellence in Crisis Management), Mr Sanjeev Kaushik (1992, Kerala Cadre – Excellence in Business & Finance), Mr Santosh Misra (2000, TN Cadre – Excellence in Innovation & Technology), and Mr Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj (2007, UP Cadre – Excellence in Public Policy & Governance)

Dr Rakesh Gupta (1997 IAS) who received the award for “Excellence in Public Policy & Governance” is known for blending the government schemes with a strong social messaging and building up strong partnerships between the community and the government. He spearheaded the national flagship program, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and took up the challenge of improvement in sex ratio in the state of Haryana saving 32,000+ girls in wombs over 6 years period. As Mission Director, National Health Mission for the State of Haryana, he started various innovative interventions to strengthen the Health Department, resulting in a major reduction in infant mortality ratio (IMR) during 2014. He also established an e-drugs logistics system which has won many national awards.

Through his stellar work, Mr Bhupesh Chaudhary (2014 IAS), in the very early years of his career demonstrated how innovative thinking can transform the lives of people at the grassroots. This transformation happened in the lives of hundreds of Chilli farmers in Siaha, Mizoram. Through an innovative approach and efficient use of government schemes, he helped enhance the produce’s brand, which had a GI tag from local market space to the international levels. As Deputy Commissioner of Siaha district, he used an array of government schemes to create a strong and sustainable business model which became a trailblazer for other farming communities across the country. Due to his numerous accomplishments and contribution, Mr Bhupesh Chaudhary, was conferred the award for “Excellence in Food, Water, Agriculture & Livelihood”.