Grounded in Humanity, Driven by Duty — The Story of Odisha’s People’s Collector, Vijay Amruta Kulange

From Village Roots to Administrative Heights: IAS Vijay Amruta Kulange’s Journey of Resilience and Reform

In a world where ambition often overshadows empathy, IAS Vijay Amruta Kulange stands out as a rare example of a public servant whose journey is rooted in humanity and humility. From the dusty lanes of a small village in Maharashtra to the corridors of Odisha’s power and progress, his story embodies hope, perseverance, and purpose.

🌾 Humble Beginnings, Boundless Dreams

Born into a humble family, young Vijay grew up witnessing his parents’ struggles firsthand. His father, a daily wager, and his mother, a homemaker, worked tirelessly to ensure their son received an education — a rarity in their community at the time.

Armed with a Master’s degree in Sociology from Pune University, Kulange faced several rejections and hardships before cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination and joining the 2013 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Odisha cadre.

 “I was never the brightest in the room, but I never stopped learning,” he often says, reflecting his grounded personality.

 

🏛️ Leadership with a Human Touch

During his tenure as Collector & District Magistrate of Ganjam (2018–2022), Kulange earned the affectionate title of “People’s Collector.”

Under his leadership, Ganjam achieved a rare distinction — becoming Odisha’s first “child marriage-free” district through a mix of awareness drives, counseling, and strict monitoring.

“He wasn’t just an officer behind a desk,” recalls a local school teacher from Berhampur. “He walked into our villages, sat with families, and listened to their fears. That changed everything.”

He also initiated programs to improve school attendance, strengthen local governance, and empower women through skill-based livelihoods. His district administration was widely praised for swift disaster response and citizen outreach during cyclones.

🏙️ Steward of Urban Transformation

As Commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Kulange led from the front — overseeing sanitation reforms, housing initiatives, and urban green projects. His participatory model of governance involved residents’ associations and youth volunteers, transforming civic administration into a shared mission.

“His leadership was quiet but impactful,” noted a senior BMC official. “He listened first, acted next — that’s what made him different.”

🥛 Modernizing Odisha’s Dairy & Livestock Sector

In March 2024, Vijay Amruta Kulange was appointed Managing Director of OMFED (Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation), taking charge of revitalizing the state’s dairy ecosystem. Soon after, he was given additional charge as Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, a testament to his administrative versatility.

At OMFED, he has prioritized farmer welfare, digitization of milk supply chains, and women-led dairy cooperatives. His vision focuses on making Odisha self-reliant in milk production and ensuring fair returns to rural producers.

📸 The Administrator with a Photographer’s Soul

Away from official files and meetings, Kulange finds solace behind the camera. His Instagram profile, @kulangevijay176, showcases his love for nature photography — sunsets, rural life, and moments of stillness.

“Photography teaches me patience,” he says. “It reminds me to pause and truly see the people I serve.”

This artistic side offers a rare glimpse into the emotional world of an officer often celebrated for his administrative discipline.

📖 Author and Motivator

Kulange’s Marathi memoir, Aajcha Diwas Maza, chronicles his journey from rural hardship to bureaucratic success. The book has inspired countless civil service aspirants, offering not just his story but his philosophy — that life rewards persistence and purpose more than privilege.

He continues to mentor UPSC aspirants and students, often sharing that “integrity is the first and final requirement of public service.”

💬 Voices from the Ground

 “He is one of the few officers who remembers names, not just statistics,” — Local SHG Leader, Ganjam.

“We never felt afraid to approach him. He made the system feel human,” — A young volunteer from Bhubaneswar.

“He’s a civil servant who carries both a file and a camera — and handles both with heart,” — Senior bureaucrat, Odisha Secretariat.

🌍 A Vision for the Future

Today, as he balances his dual roles at OMFED and the Animal Husbandry Directorate, IAS Vijay Amruta Kulange remains committed to building institutions that serve people — not the other way around. His calm demeanor and silent determination continue to inspire a new generation of administrators.

“It doesn’t matter where you begin,” he once told students at a college event, “what matters is how sincerely you walk your path.”

🗞️ EDITOR’S NOTE

In an age when bureaucracy is often viewed through the lens of red tape, officers like Vijay Amruta Kulange remind us of the transformative power of empathy and ethics in governance. His story bridges the worlds of service and art — a reminder that administration, at its core, is about understanding people and their stories.