From Bread Seller to Bureaucrat: The Inspiring Journey of IAS Rajesh Patil.

Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, IAS (2005 batch, Odisha cadre), is an award-winning administrator, writer, and social reformer. Born into a poor farming family in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, he rose from selling bread and vegetables in his childhood to receiving the President’s Award and Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

In the quiet halls of a Bhubaneswar hotel, a modest book release ceremony turned into a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and hope. The English edition of “Maa, I’ve Become a Collector!”, the autobiography of IAS officer Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, was unveiled before an audience that included educators, journalists, and civil society leaders. For many, the book is more than a memoir—it is a testament to how determination can rewrite destiny.

Humble Beginnings in Jalgaon

Born in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, Rajesh Patil’s childhood was one of hardship and survival. The son of a small farmer, young Rajesh supplemented his family’s income by selling bread and vegetables in the local market. There were days when education seemed like a distant dream. Yet, guided by his parents’ belief in learning and fuelled by his own determination, he completed his graduation and post-graduation in Statistics from Pune University.

Cracking the Civil Services

In 2005, after years of perseverance, Patil cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination, securing a place in the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (Odisha cadre). His early postings took him to some of the state’s most challenging districts, including Athgarh, Koraput, Kandhamal, and Mayurbhanj. Each role deepened his connection with the people, especially the poor and the marginalized.

Administrator with Empathy

Patil soon became known not just as an efficient officer, but as one with an unusual degree of empathy. During the devastating Mahanadi floods of 2008, he introduced a “Ready to Eat” initiative for preschool children, ensuring nutrition even in crisis. In Mayurbhanj, he pioneered programmes in tribal welfare, education, child labour eradication, and disability rehabilitation. His work earned him the President’s Award (2014), the Prime Minister’s Award (2015) for excellence in MGNREGA implementation, and national recognition for solar-based drinking water projects.

The Book: A Journey in Words

His Marathi autobiography “Tai, Mi Collector Vhayanu” (Mother, I’ve Become a Collector) struck a chord when it was first released in 2014. Written in a simple, heartfelt style, it narrated his rise from rural poverty to the corridors of administration. The book sold widely in Maharashtra, particularly among students preparing for competitive exams.

Recognizing its wider appeal, the work was translated into Hindi (Maa, Main Collector Ban Gaya) and Odia (Maa! Mun Collector Heli). The English edition, published by Unicorn Books as “Maa, I’ve Become a Collector!”, was released in Bhubaneswar, making his story accessible to a pan-Indian audience.

At the launch, former Odisha Chief Secretary Sudhansu Bhusan Mishra did the honours, while Dr. Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, hailed the book as “a source of inspiration for thousands of tribal students who can see their own struggles reflected in Patil’s story.”

Television journalist Manoranjan Mishra, ITER Director RN Panda, and motivational speaker Barendra Kumar also shared the dais. Kumar noted, “Patil’s writing is not just about his personal rise, but about his empathy. He has lived among the poor, and his work for them comes from a place of genuine understanding.”

Why It Resonates

The strength of Patil’s narrative lies in its honesty. He does not hide the fact that he once struggled to afford books, or that self-doubt often clouded his mind. Instead, he uses those memories to connect with readers who face similar obstacles today. For civil service aspirants, the book is both a motivational manual and a reminder that the exam is not the only test—life itself is.

Beyond the Pages

Today, Rajesh Patil continues to serve Odisha with distinction. Recently appointed as Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Co-operation Department, he also oversees key portfolios in housing and urban development, employment, and warehousing. His administrative journey remains guided by the same values that shaped his personal one—discipline, empathy, and determination.

For the countless young men and women in India’s villages who believe poverty limits their dreams, Patil’s message is simple: “Your circumstances do not define your future. Education, persistence, and faith in yourself can.”

A Story That Inspires Generations

From the markets of Jalgaon to the offices of Cuttack and Koraput, Rajesh Patil’s life story has travelled across geographies and languages. His book is not just a personal memoir, but a beacon for anyone who dares to dream against the odds. As readers turn its pages, they are reminded that true leadership does not begin in power, but in struggle.