EDUCATION
Anna Rajam Malhotra, part of the 1951 UPSC batch, carved her name in history as India’s pioneering female IAS officer
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, known for its intense competition, draws countless hopefuls each year, though only a select few achieve their dream of becoming IAS officers. While modern-day icons like Tina Dabi are celebrated, the path was first paved by a trailblazing woman: IAS Anna Rajam Malhotra, India’s very first female IAS officer. Alongside her, Chonira Belliappa Muthamma also made history as the first woman to clear the Indian Civil Services exam and the first to join the Indian Foreign Service.
Anna Rajam Malhotra, part of the 1951 UPSC batch, carved her name in history as India’s pioneering female IAS officer. Hailing from Niranam, Kerala, she was born in 1927 and was the granddaughter of celebrated Malayalam writer Pailo Paul. Her early education took place in Calicut, Kerala, followed by a Bachelor’s degree from Malabar Christian College. She went on to complete her Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Madras in 1949.
In 1950, Anna cleared the civil services exam. Despite societal expectations that women should opt for Foreign or Central Services rather than the administrative roles, she set her sights on becoming an IAS officer. Her first assignment came under the leadership of C. Rajagopalachari, then Chief Minister of Madras. Initially reluctant to place her in the role of district sub-collector, Rajagopalachari offered her a Secretariat position instead. However, Anna was determined to prove herself, and she eventually became the Sub-Collector of Tirupattur in the Madras State.
Her unwavering dedication and groundbreaking accomplishments remain a source of inspiration for countless women aiming to enter India’s civil services.
President's rule revoked in Jammu and Kashmir, paves way to form government
Baba Siddique murder: Another person arrested from Pune, had hired shooters
Bomb threat letter found on Chennai-bound IndiGo flight, minister, HC judge among 169 passengers
Another massive drug bust: Delhi, Gujarat Police seize cocaine worth Rs 5000 crore
NCP leader Baba Siddique laid to rest with full state honour in Mumbai
NASA Alert! One 170-foot asteroid, accompanied by two smaller ones speeding towards Earth
Khel Khel Mein OTT review: Don't miss this Akshay Kumar laugh riot just because you watched Stree 2
Shraddha Kapoor shines as showstopper in Kalki's silver-embellished lehenga at Lakme Fashion Week
Meet woman who designed bar lounge of Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani's Rs 15000 crore Antilia, she is...
Baba Siddiqui Murder case: Fourth accused arrested, main shooter still...
Consumer watchdog CCPA directs Ola Cabs to offer refund choices, provide auto ride receipts
Nikhil Kumaraswamy: Targeted by ADGP, haunted by legacy
Mahela Jayawardene returns as Mumbai Indians head coach ahead of IPL 2025 retentions
Salman Khan's security tightened after Baba Siddique's assassination
Ratan Tata's influence continues, as this Tata company is set to create new records
Weather update: Delhi temperature drops below 20°C as festive season brings winter chill
What is Y category security cover? Know key details of this protection given to Baba Siddique
Bigg Boss Tamil's Oyiva's private video leaks online, actress says 'next time...'
Pakistan to use same 'bowlers' graveyards' pitch in Multan for second Test against England
Accused in Baba Siddique firing case sent to police custody till Oct 21
Nikhil and Nithin Kamath reveal what's next for Zerodha: 'We really want to be a bank, but...'
Mukesh Ambani gives himself THIS luxury gift for Rs 12620602500, buys India's most expensive...
Amitabh Bachchan buys a brand new BMW i7 luxury electric car, it costs Rs…
'Ratan Tata and his...': Anushka Sharma's cryptic Instagram post leaves netizens guessing
Bigg Boss 18: Mallika Sherawat flirts with Salman Khan, calls him 'India's most eligible bachelor'
Virat Kohli looks dashing as he flaunts his OOTD Mumbai Airport
Jeweller pays tribute to Ratan Tata with a portrait made of 11000 diamonds, video goes viral
'Over the last 3 days...'Ratan Tata's closest aide Shantanu Naidu new post goes viral, check here
Salman Khan struggles to sleep after Baba Siddique shot dead, cancels all meetings
JD Vance ‘feels terrible’ for taking his Hindu wife Usha to church: 'She didn’t sign up for...'
Price of Ratan Tata's watch will leave you shocked, it costs Rs...
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance JioBook becomes cheaper before Diwali, new price is just Rs...
Driverless burning car speeds through Jaipur streets, causes panic, video goes viral
Baba Siddiqui's last Instagram post before he was shot dead was about Ratan Tata, he said...
Mumbai police identifies third shooter involved in Baba Siddique's murder, probe underway
Pumpkin seller hits jackpot, wins Rs 1.2 crore lottery, here's how
Baba Siddique's last rites to be performed with full state honours in Mumbai
Sudha Murty wanted these TWO gifts from Ratan Tata, he gave it to her, they are now kept in...
Elderly man's dangerous train stunt shocks internet, watch viral video
Baba Siddique shot dead: Is Lawrence Bishnoi gang behind NCP leader's murder? Police say...
When Neeraj Chopra met 'a true visionary' Ratan Tata and said...
World's richest man Elon Musk's net worth falls by Rs 124500 crore due to his latest...
'A champion of friendship between...': Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu condoles Ratan Tata's demise
Mukesh Ambani's superhit new Jio annual plan with unlimited 5G data for just Rs...
MBA jobs: 6 career paths to pursue after an MBA degree
Mumbai Police comfort Shantanu Naidu with heartfelt hugs as he grieves Ratan Tata's death, WATCH
Who are largest stakeholders in Tata Sons? Not Ratan Tata, Noel Tata, it is...
Delhi NCR: Ganga water supply to be shut in Noida, Ghaziabad from today for 20 days due to…