Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 5 Nov: District Magistrate Savin Bansal was honoured as the ‘Real Hero’ by the women of the Gangotri Enclave Resident Welfare Society late last evening. The DM was invited by the residents on the occasion of the traditional folk festival of Igas, where he was welcomed with warmth.
Expressing gratitude to the residents for the honour bestowed upon him, Bansal extended his greetings on the occasion of Igas. He also offered an apology to the women, whom he respectfully referred to as Matri Shakti, for not being able to join them on 1 November owing to official commitments. The DM said that Igas embodies the spirit of harmony, togetherness, and goodwill. He remarked that whatever work he is doing for public welfare is part of his official duty and added that the CM has directed that every effort must be made to maintain peace, harmony, and security in the state while ensuring a better quality of life for all citizens. Reiterating his commitment to the people, he said that resolving public grievances remains his top priority and that he will always be accessible to the residents.
In a rare gesture of sensitivity and public connect, the DM chose to visit the residents himself instead of having them come to the Collectorate. When he learnt that the women of Gangotri Enclave were preparing to visit his office in traditional attire to felicitate him, he immediately conveyed that he would come to them instead, so that they would not face any inconvenience. The residents expressed delight when the DM arrived at the enclave and welcomed him in the traditional Kumaoni manner, applying a paste of akshat, turmeric, and sandalwood, and offering their festive greetings. The presence of the DM among them greatly enhanced the celebratory atmosphere of Igas, particularly for the women and children.
The President of the Gangotri Enclave, Girish Gairola, recalled how Bansal had earned widespread public admiration as a biker DM after a video went viral showing him inspecting city security arrangements with the SSP riding pillion on his motorbike. Inspired by that episode, the women of the Society decided to honour him with a special memento as a mark of respect for his proactive and people-centric approach. True to his reputation for accessibility, the DM fulfilled his assurance to personally visit them on the day of the festival, using the opportunity to interact with the public and discuss issues related to development and civic amenities in the area.
Residents of Gangotri Enclave expressed appreciation for Bansal’s humility and commitment, noting that despite his busy schedule, he chose to visit them in person. The women of the society served him dal pakoras, a traditional delicacy associated with Igas/Bagwal celebrations. The residents said that the event reflected the deep regard of the public, especially the women, for DM Savin Bansal’s sincerity, responsiveness, and empathetic leadership, describing him as a model administrator who combines firmness with a human touch.
