Anna Rajam Malhotra's Journey To Becoming India's First Female IAS Officer | Women's Day Special Photo: | Image- Various X Users Anna Rajam Malhotra's Journey To Becoming India's First Female IAS Officer | Women's Day Special Photo: | Image- Various X Users

In 1951, she was barred from joining the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and instead offered positions in the Foreign Service and Central Servicesjblpg, which were deemed more 'suitable for women' by the interview panel.

With a hint of modesty, Anna Rajam Malhotra described her groundbreaking role as a mere "fluke" in a 2012 interview with The Hindu.

Today, as we celebrate International Women's Day, we honour not only the achievements and contributions of women but also acknowledge the obstacles and struggles they face and their remarkable ability to overcome them.

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On this occasion, let's delve into the inspiring journey of Anna Rajam Malhotra, India's first female IAS officer after Independence Day.

Anna Rajam Malhotra, born in 1927, grew up in an era where women's lives were predetermined by societal norms. Yet, she resisted the limitations imposed upon her, charting a course that would shatter expectations.

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Who Was Anna Rajam Malhotra?

Anna was born in Thiruvalla in Kerala's Pathanamithitta district as the daughter of Ottavelil O. A. George and Anna Paul in 1927.

She was brought up in Calicut, where she completed her schooling. Anna did her bachelor's from Malabar Christian College in Calicut. In 1949, Anna obtained her master's in English literature from the University of Madras.

The Victory

In 1950, Anna decided to take the civil services exam, a choice that would change her life. She successfully cleared the exam, becoming the first woman to do so at that time.

Reports suggest that when she appeared for the next round of exams in 1951, she was discouraged from joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) by the panel that interviewed her (it consisted of four ICS officers and was headed by UPSC chairman R. N. Banerjee).

Instead, Anna was offered the Foreign Service and the Central Services because they were 'suitable for women'. Despite the advice she received, she joined the Madras Cadre of civil service. This was her first victory.

In interviews with the media,66br Cassinos ao Vivo Brasil Anna spoke about a clause mentioned in her appointment order in 1951: "In the event of marriage, your service will be terminated.". Luckily for her, the rule changed in a matter of two years.

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Challenges And Obstacles

The next part of the journey was not easy for Anna. When she was posted in Madras, she worked under C. Rajagopalachari, who was against the entry of women in public service as he felt they were not capable enough to handle law-and-order situations.

In an interview that she gave to The Hindu in 2012, Anna recollected that initially Rajaji was opposed to her posting too—she began her career as a sub-collector in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.

According to Better India, when she visited a village in a taluk under her on a horse, she was told that the women of the village wanted to meet her. When Anna went to visit them, they walked around her, looked at her, and one old lady said, 'She looks just like one of us.'

Rajaji later changed his opinion about her. Citing Anna, The Hindu reported that in a public meeting in later years, Rajaji had described her as an example of progressive women.

Anna was married to her batchmate R.N. Malhotra, who served as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) between 1985 and 1990 and also held other important positions.

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Throughout her long career, Anna worked with seven chief ministers and served in the Union home ministry. She also assisted late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi during 1982.

Awards And Achievements

Anna Rajam was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan.

She was the chairperson of the Nhava Sheva Port Trust, which is also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust.

At the age of 91jblpg, she passed away but inspired future generations.