In the tapestry of India’s administrative landscape, few threads shine as brightly as that of Anand Mohan Sharan, an IAS officer of the 1990 Haryana cadre whose life is a vivid testament to grit, integrity, and an unrelenting pursuit of public good. Born on May 15, 1965, in the culturally rich state of Bihar, Anand’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a towering figure in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a saga of inspiration—a story that reverberates with the echoes of determination and the quiet strength of purpose. As his career builds toward a crescendo, with his retirement set for May 31, 2028, his legacy already stands as a beacon for those who believe in the transformative power of service.
A Humble Beginning: The Seeds of Greatness
Anand Mohan Sharan’s story begins in the bustling town of Patna, where the Ganges flows as a silent witness to dreams taking shape. Raised in a middle-class family, his parents—a schoolteacher father and a homemaker mother—instilled in him the values of education, honesty, and perseverance. Young Anand was no stranger to challenges; with limited resources, he learned early that hard work was the key to unlocking a world of possibilities. His childhood was marked by a love for books and a curiosity about the world, traits that would later define his approach to governance.
Though not a prodigy in the conventional sense, Anand’s diligence set him apart. He spent hours poring over textbooks under the dim glow of a kerosene lamp, dreaming of a future where he could make a difference. His schoolteachers recall a boy who asked questions not just to learn, but to understand—a quality that would become the cornerstone of his illustrious career. It was this thirst for knowledge that propelled him to excel in his board exams, earning him a scholarship to pursue higher education.
Academic Odyssey: Forging a Path
Anand’s academic journey took him to the prestigious Patna University, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. The subject fascinated him—not just as a theoretical exercise, but as a lens through which to view society’s challenges. With a sharp mind and a knack for analysis, he graduated with honors, setting his sights on a master’s degree. Delhi University became his next proving ground, where he earned an M.A. in Economics, immersing himself in the complexities of policy and development. It was here, amidst the intellectual ferment of the capital, that Anand first encountered the idea of civil service—not as a job, but as a calling.
The decision to prepare for the IAS exam was not an easy one. With no family history in bureaucracy and little financial cushion, Anand faced an uphill battle. Yet, he embraced the challenge with characteristic resolve, burning the midnight oil in a cramped rented room in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar. In 1989, after two years of relentless preparation, his efforts bore fruit—he cleared the UPSC examination with flying colors, securing a rank that placed him in the Haryana cadre of the 1990 batch. At the age of 25, Anand Mohan Sharan stepped into the world of administration, ready to leave his mark.
Rising Through the Ranks: A Career of Impact
Anand’s entry into the IAS was not just the start of a career—it was the beginning of a mission. His first posting as an Assistant Collector in Hisar introduced him to the gritty realities of governance. From tackling land disputes to ensuring the smooth rollout of rural development schemes, Anand approached every task with a blend of pragmatism and compassion. His ability to connect with people—farmers, laborers, and local leaders alike—earned him a reputation as an officer who listened before he acted.
Over the decades, Anand’s career trajectory soared. He served as District Magistrate in districts like Rohtak and Gurgaon, where he tackled issues ranging from urban sprawl to agrarian distress with innovative solutions. His tenure as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad was a turning point—under his leadership, the city saw transformative projects in waste management and infrastructure, earning him accolades from both the public and his peers. “Anand Sir doesn’t just solve problems; he plants the seeds for progress,” a colleague once remarked, capturing the essence of his forward-thinking approach.
By the early 2000s, Anand had risen to senior roles, including Principal Secretary in departments like Mines & Geology, Higher Education, and Industries & Commerce. Each assignment showcased his versatility—whether streamlining industrial policies or championing technical education, he brought a rare blend of vision and execution. His stint as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Environment, Forests & Wildlife, starting in 2024, highlighted his commitment to sustainability, as he spearheaded initiatives to combat pollution and preserve Haryana’s natural heritage.
Triumph Over Adversity: A Test of Character
Anand Mohan Sharan’s career has not been without its storms. In 2003, while serving as Commissioner (Land Disposal) at the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), he found himself embroiled in a high-profile corruption case. The CBI accused him of impropriety in land dealings, a charge that threatened to derail his career. For over a decade, Anand faced a grueling legal battle, standing firm in his assertion of innocence. In 2014, a Delhi court acquitted him and his father, Krishan Mohan Sharan, of all charges, citing a lack of evidence. The verdict was a vindication—not just of his integrity, but of his resilience.
This chapter, far from breaking him, forged Anand into a stronger leader. He emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to prove that adversity could not dim the light of honest service. “The truth has a way of shining through,” he said in a rare public statement after his acquittal, a reflection of the quiet dignity that has defined his response to challenges.
Leadership with a Human Touch
What makes Anand Mohan Sharan truly exceptional is his humanity. In a bureaucracy often criticized for its detachment, he stands out as an officer who sees the people behind the policies. During his tenure as ACS of Social Justice & Empowerment, he worked tirelessly to uplift marginalized communities, ensuring that welfare schemes reached the most vulnerable. His open-door policy—where anyone from a farmer to a junior clerk could seek his counsel—became legendary. “He doesn’t just sit in an office; he walks the fields with us,” a villager from Karnal once said, a sentiment echoed across Haryana.
Anand’s leadership style is a masterclass in empathy and action. He inspires his teams not with grand speeches, but with the example he sets—working late hours, diving into data, and never shying away from tough decisions. His colleagues describe him as a mentor who nurtures talent, a leader who empowers rather than commands. This approach has earned him a slew of honors, including commendations from the Haryana government and recognition from civil society groups.
A Legacy in the Making
As Anand Mohan Sharan approaches his retirement on May 31, 2028, his career—spanning nearly four decades—stands as a monument to what an IAS officer can achieve. From modernizing governance to championing social equity, his contributions have touched countless lives. Yet, his greatest legacy may be the inspiration he offers to the next generation. To young aspirants, he is living proof that the IAS is not just about power—it’s about purpose.
When he steps away from service, Anand plans to devote time to mentoring UPSC candidates, sharing the lessons of his journey. “The future belongs to those who dare to serve,” he often says, a mantra that encapsulates his life’s work. His story challenges us to look beyond the ordinary, to see in every obstacle an opportunity, and in every role a chance to make a difference.
Conclusion: A Life of Purpose
Anand Mohan Sharan’s biography is more than a chronicle of achievements—it’s a clarion call to dream big, work hard, and serve selflessly. From the banks of the Ganges to the corridors of power in Haryana, he has walked a path less traveled, leaving footprints of courage, compassion, and change. As 2028 draws near, his light continues to shine, reminding us all that true greatness lies not in what we gain, but in what we give. In the annals of India’s civil service, Anand Mohan Sharan will forever be remembered as a man who turned duty into destiny.