“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.”

Compared to her illustrious predecessors, Ms Prerna has a relatively lesser experience of over a decade but even in this small span she has left an impact with her hands-on administration. The measured sense of expression and the refreshing candor with which she rationalizes her perspectives reveal that she has a sturdy grasp of her responsibilities. Few know that she has also cleared the Indian Revenue Service apart from the Indian Administrative Service. Given her promise, she could have handled that portfolio with the same level-headedness but the inner voice told her, she was better cut out to handle the administrative services.

While it is rare for someone to be both IRS and IAS, it is even more rare that someone’s basic education is technical. Ms Prerna is an Instrumentation engineer. With the guilelessness that echoes in her articulation, she describes her journey to the Civil Services. “My dad was an IPS but there was never any kind of pressure on me to opt for the Civil Services. In my considered belief, Civil Services were dynamic, interesting, vibrant and result-oriented. Most importantly, I thought they were perfectly in sync with my implicit faith that unlike the private sector, I could do something constructive for the common good of the people.”

After clearing IRS in 2008, Ms Prerna went ahead and cleared IAS in 2010.but before she changed tack, she had already started working with the Customs, Central Excise and Narcotics, Taxation and Indirect Taxation. “Although these wings are all considered as guardians of economic frontiers, my conscience told me IAS was where I would be happier. My judgment was spot on as I found it very productive and energetic. All I was impressed upon in my student days was I must study well and stand on my own feet. The inclination towards IAS also stemmed from the fact that I was always into people-oriented activities like the NCC and NSS. I represented Maharashtra in the NCC.

In the seven postings that she has served so far, she recalls the one in Pandharkawda (Vidarbha) and Jalna (Marathwada) for two distinctive memories. One was in an interior hamlet of Tipeshwar where I was involved with rehabilitation project. The project was executed so smoothly that other hamlets took a leaf out of it. The icing on the cake was I saw five tigers in that period. The other was working with Savings Groups where the ruralites were explained the importance of savings. The other challenge was to deter child marriages which were rampant in the district. The administration stopped over 80 of them but the social evil hasn’t stopped completely and these things leave you distraught. Poverty alleviation, encouraging education – especially among girls — and stopping social discrimination are huge challenges. It was heartening that during my posting there, that there are schools now and it was particularly heartening that during the pandemic, children could learn online.”

Presently, as the Disability Commissioner, Pune, Ms Prerna facilitated online education to specially-abled students through various mobile applications and technologies. In villages or locations where parents do not have resources for access to the internet, the teachers went to those villages and used gram panchayat facilities to conduct classes, she ensured. Orthopaedic disabled, deaf-mute and blind students will avail online education even if their schools and workshops are not operational. As CEO, Ratnagiri ZP, she gave impetus to e-office and e-construction initiatives. Having completed her primary and secondary education in Marathi medium and with her father’s transfers, she became familiar with the state’s terrain, something that gave her an immense advantage.

Ms Prerna is not very active on the social media but ensures that the official page is kept active. “Not much personal responses and although we have democracy, I am sensitive to what I express and voice. Preferring not to be very vocal about her awards and recognition, she believes that being able to be a part of machinery that wants to bring systemic reforms and earning people’s confidence are her biggest trophies. It is team work and arrogating to myself all credit would be fair to the people who work shoulder-to-shoulder with you.”

As an officer, she feels strongly about building efficient systems, simplifying processes and preserving the sanctity of inter-personal relationships. “Technology removes discrimination, which is important in a democracy. It also ends cultural vulnerability. I aim for ‘Justice for All’, adding subtly, in any ruling dispensation, this message should reach the King. I feel that instead of being over-sensitive, we need to be practical.”

As an officer and a mother, her hands are tied up all the time. “Beyond office, most of my time is spent looking after my kids. So striking a work-life balance is a little tricky. Time was when I had very diverse hobbies. I loved reading fact and fiction. Marathi novels were my preferred choice. As youngster I enjoyed horse riding. Occasionally, time permitting; I indulge in web content, jaunts and TV. It is not as if I miss these. Maybe later, I might get more time for recreation,” she hopes.

The inspiration is embodied in the name. The results have come from perspiration.