Interview by Ananya Singh
In this series, we will try and bring you the stories of people who chose offbeat careers. When we talk about careers and career counselling, the usual route that is taken is aptitude testing, options, earning potential, etc.
But we, at The Children’s Post, wanted to do things differently. What is life like for a profession?
So, we are speaking to professionals and asking them things that matter – what is your life like? What led you to become this? What has your journey been?
Today, we bring you the story of Mr. Lalit Verma, who worked as an IFS (Indian Forest services) officer! IFS officers work to ensure environmental stability and to maintain the ecological balance. They ensure the conservation of both plants and animals.
- What were your dreams and aspirations in childhood?
As a child, I was not even aware that such a department existed. But I had always had a fascination of nature and when I gave the exam and talked to people, I realised that this was my calling.
2. What motivated you to become an IFS officer?
As such, the thrill of adventure, facing a new problem everyday and going onto the field regardless of the post you’re on.
3. What does being an IFS officer entail and how is it different from other services?
Being an Indian Forest Officer basically entails a lot of field work, which is also what separates and distinguishes it from other services. Whatever post you’re on you will always be going out on the field and working with nature. It is also an on-call job, like, a few days back a leopard got inside a house in Pilibhit and I had to rush there to control the situation. Fortunately, the leopard escaped back to the forest by nightfall. But that is not all. All officers attend tree plantations, rescue operations and interactions with people living near forests.
4. Which are some of your most memorable experiences as an IFS?
Being an IFS officer, you find new experiences everyday, and for me they are all memorable. When I was in Meerut, there was an elephant in a marriage procession on which the groom had come. Suddenly it went out of control and harmed numerous cars. We rushed there but we didn’t have the team needed to tranquillise the elephant. The nearest one was in Delhi and was on the way but till they reached there we had to contain the elephant. That operation took near 18 hours.
Another was when two elephants crossed the India-Nepal border and entered India. We had to tranquillise them and release them back in Nepal. This operation was particularly eventful because we needed to tranquillise two elephants at once. We successfully managed to do that, though, and the elephants were safely released in their forest in Nepal.
5. In your opinion, what kind of child would be happy to grow up to be an IFS officer.
A child who loves nature and adventure will be happy to do the job of an IFS officer.
6. Any last message you wish to give to our viewers sir?
I think that children need to start reconnecting with nature. Climate change is no longer a theory but is taking place as we speak. Respecting and understanding nature is extremely important so that we can co-exist.