Honorable Jitendra Kumar Soni was born in 29th of Nov,1981 is an Indian civil servant, a Rajasthani and Hindi writer and translator.
Popular Books written by him:
- Regmal , Hindi Poetry Collection
- Rankhaar, Rajasthani Poetry
- ADIOS , Dhai Aakhar Ki Dhai Kahaniyan, Hindi Short stories
- Yadavri , Diary
- Umeedon Ke Chirag , Hindi Poetry Collection
How do you prepare for UPSC exam and stay motivated for writing in Hindi ?
Dr. Jitendra Kumar Soni speaks to Ankur Mishra at Kavishala talks about his initial years that led to taking up a career in the IAS and the challenging but immensely fulfilling role of being a hindi writer with key responsibilities of making a direct impact on society.
Inspiring young students, an IAS is not just a job but a way of life. The Indian Administrative Service needs enthusiastic individuals who serve the nation and make our country proud.
Jitendra Sir put a light on your background and education?
Let me start at the beginning I did my M.A. in Political Science, Philosophy & Public Policy and obtained my Ph.D. in Political Science from Rajasthan University, Jaipur.
Being a district collector for Jalore district in Rajasthan in 2014, and initiated a programme to sanitation, education and health in the district through community involvement. By 2016 I had moved to Jhalawar district, where I served as collector and district magistrate until December 2018.
My family placed a premium on education. I grew up with the responsibility of high expectations with my academical growth was taken for granted. I was a nerd long before the word was even invented.
To the chagrin of my mentors teacher, my love for Humanities won; and I chose an Economics-English-History-Ethics combination. Credit goes to my parents; not only did they support my choice of a higher education at that time and write how I felt.
In my life, serendipity and making choice have both played a role. Unlike my career in the IAS which, in hindsight, was brought about by a series of fortuitous events, trivial as it may seem to a real life-determining choice. Discovering vast culture was the extent of my horizon and ambition every time, was as far as I could dream.
What encourages you to bring offbeat, unconventional and unique thinking in your Writing?
Jitendra Kumar Soni : Well ,entering the Indian Administrative Service, India’s elite premier civil service, was not just a burning ambition for me. But Serendipity had other plans for me discover the Literature and poetries. I spent time in reading diverse cultures , but my social science interests and technological expertise was really that refreshes my mind. I prepared important notes and facts with my usual diligence and made fairly high stories based on the theme.
Tell us about your campaigns and initiatives led for Society especially for children?
This is my responsibility with all sorts of challenges and complexities. It gives me to contribute for budding lives, varied places, school going kids that go to school bare footed and malnutritioned, who helped me out to make this efforts successively! Fast forwarding the next two decades, working, bringing up develpoment goals for children, upliftment of women. Being an IAS officer and situational manager; leadership is neither a choice nor a position but a way of life.
Therefore, I picked up quite a bit of multi-sectoral experience along the way. Some reponsibilities are memorable than others; as when I was awarded with the best literacy program in the country that I stewarded; this was the first of over twenty-five awards, citations and commendations I have received in my career. I am frequently invited to speak in conferences, and I have written many books and quite a few articles. For me, reading, research, writing and speaking, help me relax from my work pressures. Sharing the learnings of my life, academia and work have given me great joy in Rajasthani language.
What are the challenges faced by regional languages in today's era and how will we deal with them?
I think we need to make a difference of thinking. It sounds corny when I say it in words, but it is a feeling that words can hardly explain. Normally, when I visit any state, I am received well, but this reception was heartfelt and truly warm when it comes to know that region by any novel or article. Hesitantly, writing in Rajasthani lang. felt like I was a middle aged entrepreneur writing against the odds. I
I have faced a lot of obstacles, when I had to work extra hard with little recognition at times. What has kept me going is the saying of Gandhi Ji that I see myself as a change agent with a growing ability to find creative solutions to massive problems, nurture my talents and build enduring nation with my contributions.
Your message for the Regional Writers and Budding Poets?
At this point of my life, I definitely want to leave a legacy on my next generation. I have written in Rajasthani lang. and translated some books into another language and I have a body of academic work too. I personally recommend every individual to speak their native language and bring your state to new heights. The more language we learn we are endured to more vibrant Indian culture. But there is not any simple thing of which I can claim: “This is what I leave behind” except encourage you to support and respect your motherland.