Shimla, Jan 10,
Priyanka, a resident of Shansha village in Lahaul-Spiti, has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman from the district to secure a position in the prestigious Himachal Administrative Service (HAS). Her journey of determination and perseverance has inspired many in the region.
She first attended Senior Secondary School in Bhuntar, followed by college studies in Kullu. With a passion for science, she pursued an MA in Zoology from Punjab University in Chandigarh, further expanding her horizons and laying the foundation for her future accomplishments.
In her early years, Priyanka aimed to fulfill her father’s dream of seeing her become a doctor, but despite her best efforts, she didn’t succeed. Undeterred, she redirected her focus in 2018 towards a career in administration. Her determination paid off in 2021 when she was selected for the post of Block Development Officer (BDO). Yet, Priyanka didn’t stop there. Alongside her government duties, she continued preparing for the HAS exam. Though she faced setbacks along the way, including failures, she never lost hope. Today, her perseverance has led her to a well-deserved triumph—becoming a HAS officer
Priyanka credited her parents, Shakuntala, a homemaker, and Dr. Prem Lal, a homeopathy doctor, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout her journey. “This achievement is a testament to the values instilled by my parents, who never let me lose hope,” Priyanka shared.
The historic accomplishment has sparked celebrations in Lahaul-Spiti, with the valley brimming with pride and joy. Ashwani Kumar, the first young HAS officer from the district and currently serving as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADM) of Kullu, congratulated Priyanka, stating that her achievement would serve as a beacon of inspiration for the youth of the region.
Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana also lauded Priyanka’s success, calling her “the pride of Lahaul’s daughter.” She emphasized the significance of this milestone for the district, which has long awaited greater representation in administrative services.
Priyanka’s accomplishment is not just a personal triumph but a momentous milestone for Lahaul-Spiti, showcasing the potential of women from the region to excel in leadership roles.
