V Day Special: Love Beyond Duty: How Civil Servants Found Their Soulmates in the Line of Duty
Patna: For civil servants, life is often defined by discipline, duty, and long working hours. But even amid the pressures of public service, love has found its way. From academy training sessions to high-pressure postings, these officers built bonds that transcended the rigours of bureaucracy.
A Bond Forged in Uniform
IPS officer Kamya Mishra, known as Lady Singham for her fearless policing, met IPS Awadhesh Dixit in 2019 during their training at the academy in Mussoorie. Their connection deepened while working on a project in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. Awadhesh, captivated by Kamya’s caring nature, proposed during training, and she accepted without hesitation.
Their journey took an unexpected turn when the COVID-19 lockdown disrupted their wedding plans. Undeterred, the couple had a court marriage in 2020 before hosting a grand destination wedding in Udaipur in 2021. Originally from Odisha, Kamya was first assigned to the Himachal Pradesh cadre before being transferred to Bihar. In 2024, she resigned from her post, though her resignation is yet to be accepted. Meanwhile, Awadhesh, a native of Gangapur City, Rajasthan, currently serves as the superintendent of police in Gopalganj.
A Valentine’s Day Like No Other
For IAS officer Tushar Singla and IPS officer Navjot Simmi, both from Punjab, love blossomed within the corridors of public service. Tushar, a 2015 batch Bengal cadre officer, and Navjot, a 2018 batch Bihar cadre officer, gradually developed a close bond.
In 2019, over a quiet dinner in Patna, Tushar confessed his feelings, and Navjot happily accepted. However, their demanding schedules kept them from tying the knot immediately. It wasn’t until February 14, when Navjot visited Bengal, that they decided to formalise their relationship. Instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day traditionally, they opted for a court marriage. Today, Tushar is the district magistrate of Begusarai, while Navjot serves as a commandant in the Bihar Special Armed Police.
Seven Years of Waiting for Love
For SP Sushil Kumar, love meant patience. His journey with Madhubala began in 1998 at a UNICEF programme in Patna, where their bond slowly grew. When Sushil proposed to her at Basukinath temple in a poetic gesture, she was deeply moved. However, societal barriers soon tested their relationship.
While Sushil’s family supported their union, Madhubala’s family strongly opposed it due to caste differences. The couple persevered for seven years before finally marrying on October 12, 2005, at Thaneshwar temple in Samastipur. While Sushil’s family stood by him, Madhubala’s family severed ties, a sacrifice she willingly made for love.
Duty, Distance, and Devotion
These stories highlight the deep emotional connections that can form even within the structured and often isolating world of civil service. Whether through a shared professional journey, a spontaneous Valentine’s Day decision, or years of unwavering commitment, these officers have shown that love, like duty, demands resilience, understanding, and an unshakable bond.
