IAS Officer Saloni Sidana’s act of kindness during a school inspection has touched the hearts of many. Sidana, who is currently serving as the District Magistrate of Mandla district in Madhya Pradesh, conducted an examination of the district’s schools, including the inspection of the midday meal provided to the students.
During the inspection, a video captured Sidana feeding food from her own plate to Teeja Bai, a cook at a government school. This heartwarming gesture has gone viral on social media, earning Sidana praise for her simplicity and humility. The photo of this moment has become a sensation online, with netizens applauding her compassion.
Before joining the civil service, Sidana studied medicine and earned her MBBS degree in Delhi. She worked as a radiologist at AIIMS before deciding to pursue a career in the UPSC. In 2013, she cleared the UPSC exam on her first attempt and was assigned to the Andhra cadre, where she served before marrying her husband, Ashish Vashishta, who is also an IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Sidana’s wedding ceremony took place in the office of the Bhind additional district magistrate for a nominal fee of Rs 500, and just two days later, the couple resumed their work responsibilities. Sidana’s inclusivity and celebration of their marriage were demonstrated by distributing sweets at the collectorate office.
Hailing from Punjab’s Jalalabad area, Sidana comes from an agricultural background. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring civil servants across India, highlighting the importance of compassion and dedication in public service. Through her act of kindness during the school inspection, Sidana has reminded us all of the power of empathy and the positive impact it can have on the lives of others.
