Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2018 batch of the Odisha cadre, known for his innovative leadership and transformative contributions to public service. Born and raised in Maharashtra, Mayur’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a dynamic civil servant is a testament to his perseverance, intellectual rigor, and commitment to societal progress. With a background in mechanical engineering, he combines technical expertise with administrative acumen to address complex governance challenges.
Early Life and Education
Mayur hails from Dhule, a modest city in Maharashtra, where he spent his formative years. Growing up in a middle-class family, he was instilled with values of hard work and resilience from an early age. His academic brilliance shone through during his school years, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors. After completing his schooling, Mayur pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from JSPM’s Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering in Pune. His choice of engineering reflected his analytical mindset and problem-solving aptitude, qualities that would later define his career in civil services.
While in college, Mayur developed a keen interest in public administration and governance. Inspired by the idea of serving the nation on a larger scale, he decided to prepare for the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination. Balancing his engineering studies with rigorous UPSC preparation, he demonstrated remarkable discipline and focus—a trait admired by peers and mentors alike.
UPSC Journey and Entry into IAS
Mayur’s path to becoming an IAS officer was not without its challenges. He embarked on his UPSC preparation after completing his graduation, dedicating himself fully to the process. It took him four attempts to crack the exam, a journey he later described as a rollercoaster of highs and lows. In his own words, shared through various platforms, he emphasized the importance of learning from failures and maintaining faith in the process. His perseverance paid off in 2017 when he secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 373, earning him a spot in the prestigious Indian Administrative Service.
Assigned to the Odisha cadre, Mayur began his training with a clear vision: to leverage his skills for the betterment of society. His experiences during the UPSC preparation—marked by meticulous planning, consistent effort, and self-reflection—shaped his approach to governance, making him a proactive and empathetic leader.
Career and Contributions
Since joining the IAS, Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas has held several key positions, each marked by impactful initiatives and a people-centric approach. His early postings tested his mettle, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a young officer in his first assignment, he worked tirelessly to ensure medical supplies, food distribution, and quarantine management in Odisha’s tribal regions. His ability to turn adversity into opportunity earned him recognition as a capable administrator.
In 2020, after completing his Phase-II training, Mayur was appointed as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sambalpur District. Here, he focused on improving local infrastructure and addressing community needs. His tenure as Additional Commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) further showcased his innovative streak. One of his standout projects was Project STAMP (Street Art and Mural Painting), a collaboration with Lalit Kala Academy and other organizations. This initiative transformed Bhubaneswar’s public spaces with vibrant murals, boosting tourism and fostering community pride.
Currently serving as the District Collector of Balasore, Odisha, Mayur is spearheading efforts to position the district as a thriving tourist hub. With Chandipur Beach as a focal point, he is working on enhancing amenities and promoting the region’s unique art, craft, and cultural heritage. His vision includes empowering self-help groups (SHGs) to drive economic growth, a strategy that has already shown promising results.
Personal Traits and Leadership Style
Mayur’s leadership is characterized by empathy, creativity, and a hands-on approach. Colleagues describe him as a grounded individual who listens to the concerns of the people he serves. His engineering background gives him an edge in tackling logistical and infrastructural challenges, while his UPSC journey has honed his ability to strategize and adapt. Passionate about sports, he has also promoted hockey in Odisha, aligning community engagement with the state’s hosting of the Hockey World Cup.
Legacy and Vision
At a young age, Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas has already left an indelible mark on Odisha’s administrative landscape. His dream is to create sustainable, inclusive growth models that uplift marginalized communities while preserving cultural richness. Whether it’s turning dilapidated spaces into tourist attractions or resolving long-pending issues like pension disbursals (as seen in his efforts in Kendrapada), Mayur’s work reflects a blend of pragmatism and idealism.
As he continues his journey, Mayur remains an inspiration to aspiring civil servants and youth across India. His story underscores the power of determination, education, and a genuine desire to make a difference—one step at a time.