A female student tied a *rakhi* to Kanpur District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh; a female student tied a *rakhi* to Kanpur District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh; by stepping into the role of a brother, the official paved the way for her education, making her path easier forever.


On Raksha Bandhan, the sacred festival of love and protection between brother and sister in Indian culture, many such heart-touching pictures come to the fore, which awaken a new ray of hope and inspiration in the society. One such very poignant, unique and heart-wrenching case has come to light from Kanpur, the industrial city of Uttar Pradesh, which has brought tears to everyone’s eyes. A very emotional atmosphere was created in the office of Kanpur District Magistrate (DM) Jitendra Pratap Singh when a needy meritorious student arrived and tied Rakhi on his wrist. During this time, when the daughter considered the head of the district administration as her brother, DM Saheb, fulfilling the duty of an elder brother, not only accepted her protection formula, but also made a historic announcement of removing all the financial and administrative obstacles in her further studies. This incident of an IAS officer going beyond his responsibility and making the path of education easier for the daughter of an ordinary family, is currently the biggest center of discussion on social media and in the entire Uttar Pradesh.

Unique and emotional darbar organized in DM office on Rakshabandhan

On this auspicious occasion of Sawan Purnima, sisters across the country were tying Raksha Sutra on the wrists of their brothers wishing for their long life, but the scene seen in the District Magistrate office of Kanpur was much deeper and inspiring than the common traditions. When a brilliant student, who was struggling amidst financial constraints and adverse circumstances, entered the room of DM Jitendra Pratap Singh, she had many expectations in her mind. Without any hesitation, the student decorated her Rakhi on DM Sahib’s wrist and took his blessings by applying Tilak on his forehead. This unexpected and affectionate moment won the hearts of all the officers and employees present there. This glimpse of a sensitive human being hidden behind the strict and busy face of an administrative officer proves that no matter how big the post, human sensitivities and intimate relationships always come first.

When the officer fulfilled his brother’s duty and faced the difficulties of distance studies

After tying Rakhi, when Kanpur DM Jitendra Pratap Singh came to know about the family background of the student and the financial problems she was facing in her studies, he immediately took action without delaying even a moment. Considering the student as his younger sister, he assured that now there will be no hindrance in her education journey. The DM instructed the concerned officials on the spot that all possible help related to the education, books and school fees of this brilliant daughter should be ensured by the district administration. This step taken by the administrative head like an elder brother was no less than a boon for the student, whose eyes welled up with tears of joy. This incident is an example of the fact that if officers are sensitive, they can change both the fate and picture of any needy person with the power of their pen.

Unique combination of importance of education and administrative sensitivity

In today’s era, where questions are often raised about the insensitivity of government systems and bureaucracy, this stance of Kanpur DM Jitendra Pratap Singh sets an exemplary example for the entire administrative machinery. Education is the backbone of any country and society, and when a talented student is forced to leave his studies only due to lack of money, it is a defeat for the entire society. When an officer, while holding the post of a District Magistrate, personally takes up the responsibility of such daughters, it sends a positive message to the society that the government and administration stand firmly with the real happiness and sorrow of the common people. Since this meeting, local citizens of Kanpur and people associated with educational institutions have greatly praised this generous and humanitarian initiative of DM Saheb.

A big message for the society and changing administrative approach

This incident in Kanpur has once again proved that this festival of Rakshabandhan is not limited only to blood relations, rather it gives a feeling of responsibility towards every person of the society who needs support. On one hand, many people celebrate this festival as a mere formality, on the other hand, such events make the definition of human relationships broader and stronger. This emotional and administrative initiative between the student and the DM showed that if people holding administrative positions show a little sympathy and sensitivity, then the light of hope can be brought to many dark corners of the society. This inspiring incident will continue to inspire other officials and capable citizens to come forward and help in the education of needy children in the times to come.