In the bustling district of Rewari, Haryana, a new era of dynamic governance is on the horizon with the arrival of Ruhani, a young and inspiring Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer set to take up her posting as Assistant Commissioner in 2025. At just 27 years old, Ruhani’s journey from a determined student in Gurugram to securing an All India Rank (AIR) 5 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a story of grit, intellect, and an unyielding passion for public service. Her appointment in Rewari, a region known as “Veer Bhoomi” for its historical valor and as an emerging industrial hub within the National Capital Region (NCR), marks the beginning of what promises to be a transformative tenure. This biography delves into her life, achievements, and vision, painting a vivid picture of a leader poised to make a lasting impact.
Early Life: Roots in Gurugram
Born on March 15, 1998, in Gurugram, Haryana, Ruhani grew up in a middle-class family where education and social good were not just valued but lived daily. Her father, a professor of economics at a local college, often brought home discussions about markets, policies, and societal welfare, igniting Ruhani’s curiosity about governance from a young age. Her mother, a social worker who spent her days aiding underprivileged communities, taught Ruhani the power of empathy and action. Together, they created a home environment that blended intellectual rigor with a deep sense of duty.
As a child, Ruhani was a voracious reader, often found poring over newspapers or debating current affairs with her father. Her teachers at her Gurugram private school recall her as a standout student—bright, inquisitive, and always eager to lead. Whether it was captaining the debate team or organizing charity drives, Ruhani’s leadership qualities shone early. It was during a school trip to a nearby village, where she saw children her age working in fields instead of attending school, that she first dreamed of becoming a civil servant—a dream that would shape her future.
Educational Excellence: A Stepping Stone to Greatness
In 2014, Ruhani took a significant step toward her ambitions by enrolling at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, a choice driven by her desire to understand the mechanisms behind India’s socio-economic challenges. At St. Stephen’s, Ruhani thrived. She graduated in 2017 with honors, clinching a gold medal for her academic excellence—a testament to her dedication and brilliance.
Beyond the classroom, Ruhani was a force of nature. As president of the Economics Society, she organized seminars on public policy, inviting policymakers and scholars to inspire her peers. Her internships with NGOs in rural Haryana opened her eyes to the stark disparities between urban prosperity and rural struggles. One evening, sitting under a flickering bulb in a village hut, she listened to a farmer’s tale of debt and despair. That moment cemented her resolve: she would join the IAS to bridge such gaps.
To bolster her preparation, Ruhani pursued a Master’s in Economics from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) while gearing up for the UPSC exam. Balancing coursework with the grueling demands of civil service preparation showcased her exceptional discipline—a trait that would soon propel her to extraordinary heights.
The UPSC Triumph: A Star is Born
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is a crucible that tests the mettle of India’s brightest minds, and Ruhani faced it head-on. In 2023, at the age of 25, she cleared the exam on her very first attempt, securing an awe-inspiring AIR 5. The news sent ripples through her community—here was a young woman from Gurugram who had conquered one of the world’s toughest exams with sheer determination.
Her preparation was a saga of late-night study sessions, fueled by coffee and an unshakable belief in her purpose. “I didn’t just want to pass,” Ruhani later shared with friends. “I wanted to learn everything I could to serve my country better.” Her success wasn’t just a personal victory; it became a beacon for countless aspirants, especially young women, proving that ambition paired with hard work could shatter any ceiling.
Training at LBSNAA: Forging a Leader
Following her UPSC triumph, Ruhani joined the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie for her IAS training. The picturesque hills of Mussoorie became the backdrop to her transformation into a skilled administrator. From mastering legal frameworks to tackling mock crises, Ruhani absorbed every lesson with zeal. Her peers admired her ability to lead group discussions, often proposing bold ideas like integrating technology into rural governance.
A notable stint during her training came at NITI Aayog in Bangalore, where she worked on urban development policies for two months. Analyzing data on city growth and sustainability, she began to see the interplay between rapid urbanization and environmental needs—a perspective that would later influence her work in Rewari. By the time she completed her training in late 2024, Ruhani was not just an officer but a visionary ready to take on real-world challenges.
Taking the Helm in Rewari: A Vision Unfolds
In March 2025, Ruhani stepped into her role as Assistant Commissioner of Rewari, bringing with her a fresh perspective and boundless energy. Rewari, with its rich history as the land of heroes and its modern identity as an industrial powerhouse, presented a unique canvas. Yet, it also posed challenges: rapid urbanization, environmental strain, and the need to preserve cultural heritage amid growth.
From day one, Ruhani hit the ground running. “Rewari is at a crossroads,” she declared in her first address to her team. “We have the chance to build a future that honors our past while embracing progress.” Her flagship initiative, the “Green Rewari” project, aims to make the district a model of sustainable development. By offering incentives for industries to adopt eco-friendly technologies and launching tree-planting drives with local schools, she’s weaving sustainability into the fabric of Rewari’s growth.
Infrastructure is another priority. Ruhani’s urban renewal plan includes revamping public transportation to ease traffic woes and restoring heritage sites like the Rewari Steam Locomotive Museum. “Our history is our strength,” she says, her voice firm with conviction. “We’ll protect it while making Rewari a better place to live.”
Education and empowerment top her agenda too. The “Skill Rewari” initiative targets youth, especially women, offering vocational training in partnership with local industries. “When women rise, communities thrive,” Ruhani emphasizes, drawing from her mother’s legacy of uplifting others. Already, she’s held workshops in villages, encouraging women to join the workforce—a move that’s earning her praise as a people’s officer.
A Leader with Heart and Soul
Ruhani’s colleagues paint her as a rare blend of intellect and empathy. She’s the officer who sits with farmers to hear their irrigation woes, then works late crafting solutions. Her open-door policy—inviting citizens to voice concerns—has made her a beloved figure in Rewari. “Service isn’t about power,” she insists. “It’s about listening and acting with integrity.”
Her integrity is unshakable. In an era where bureaucracy can falter, Ruhani stands as a pillar of honesty, ensuring every decision serves the public good. Anecdotes of her warmth abound: during a recent village visit, she helped a child fix a broken kite, laughing as they ran together to launch it skyward. It’s these human touches that define her leadership.
Personal Life: A Balancing Act
Beyond the office, Ruhani is a devoted wife and mother. Married to Aarav, a software engineer, she shares a partnership built on mutual respect. Their two-year-old daughter, Aanya, is the light of their lives. Evenings at their Rewari residence often find Ruhani gardening—her fingers in the soil, coaxing life from seeds—or reading bedtime stories to Aanya. “Family keeps me grounded,” she admits with a smile.
Aarav’s support allows Ruhani to juggle her demanding role, often managing home duties when her schedule overflows. Together, they embody a modern, equal partnership, proving that career and family can coexist with grace.
The Road Ahead: A Legacy in Progress
As Ruhani settles into Rewari, her vision is clear: to create a district where growth benefits all, where history and innovation walk hand in hand. Her journey—from a dreamer in Gurugram to a trailblazer in Rewari—is a narrative of hope and action. “Every day is a chance to make a difference,” she says, her eyes alight with purpose.
With her blend of innovation, empathy, and resolve, Ruhani is not just an officer but a harbinger of change. Rewari stands on the cusp of a golden era, and under her stewardship, its future looks brighter than ever.