Humans of LBSNAA

The HJS decided to catch up with some of the silent heroes who make possible our beautiful stay at the academy. Most of the conversations have been translated into English

Pooja Di and Poonam Di – Housekeeping staff

We have been working for about 13 and 15 years respectively at LBSNAA. These days, we clean the OT lounge area. We have 8 hour working days with a break in between. We love to do our work nicely and like to enjoy our work.

The best thing about working at LBSNAA, we feel is the respect that we get from our supervisors and from the OTs around us. We can freely approach our supervisors when we want to discuss our problems. We are all family people and sometimes we have issues balancing family and work. But we find the academy very supportive in such situations. Getting holidays is also not much of an issue for us.

But sometimes we feel that people do not realise the important role of the housekeeping staff. For example, many a times we have helped recover many lost items that we keep finding during our work.

We also like to interact with the OTs. It is the best part of our day when an OT comes up to us and chats with us. Many times, they ask us how we are doing or what problems we are facing. They even try to help us. Its very heart warming and we feel very happy. Also, before leaving the academy, many OTs come and thank us. We would want more and more OTs to appreciate the work that we do and do simple things like “Good morning Didi” which makes our day.

Lalit Sajwan – Chef at LBSNAA kitchen

Before coming here, I worked in the hotel industry. In hotels, its mostly alacarte orders but here at the academy its bulk cooking. So, the challenges are different. I have been at LBSNAA since 2005. I have seen 17 IAS batches pass out from here.

One good thing is that LBSNAA is that it is near my home. So, I get to spend more family time due to this job. One memorable day was when our Hon’ble PM visited the academy. We were super busy those few days and there was too much security, even in the kitchen area. The security staff was checking everything we did in the kitchen.

Though not much, but there are times when OTs come and talk to us too. For example, for India Day food preparations, they come and discuss with us about the food items. I feel quite nice talking to them. Specially when we get appreciation for some item that was made, it fills my heart. I would really love if more OTs give us feedback via the mess staff. It makes us feel good.

 Dharam Kumar – classroom assistant

 I have been in the academy since 2006, that is 81^st FC. I have always found the OTs very respectful. I love interacting with the OTs when they come and talk to me. Many a times, when OTs pass out and come back years later for senior level training, and when the recognize us, I feel glad. I feel that I can play my small part in training IAS officers who will go on to do great things for this country.

I have seen this academy evolve in the last 16 years. In terms of infra, years ago we didn’t have the Gyanshila building. It came up during my time.

In 2020, when I lost my father in covid, it was a low period of my life, but I still enjoyed working here because the staff here were supportive. Many OTs too talked to me and made me feel better.

I know many times you have seen with the attendance sheet, trying to mark the absent folks, or noting the people who are dozing off. Sometimes I feel that the OTs may not think favourably about what I do. I just want them to know that I am only doing my job and what I am told to do. I also should do my duty diligently. I always have their best wishes in my heart. Also, I find the faculty very supportive of my efforts.

The ITBP guards – our silent sentinels

We have a tenure here of 1 year. Members of our company comes on rotation here to serve at LBSNAA. Our company is posted in Uttarkashi currently. We stay near the main gate and have a bigger office at Indira Bhawan.

This is a much easier place than serving at India China border at 18000 feet. Still, this place has its own challenges. We need to be sure that every person entering is entering the campus legally. Within a week, we learn by heart the faces of almost all the people who enter or exit the gates every day.

Our duty is of 3 hours duty followed by 6 hours rest and this cycle continues. We feel nice when the OTs greet us while passing the gates. Sometimes, some of the OTs come to see us at our quarters also. That is quite heart warming.