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"It is only a few, isolated mischievous elements that are trying to foment communal trouble. The situation in some pockets in Kozhikode district needs to be monitored continuously."

Rachna ShaH

The District Collector spoke to Biju Govind about her life in Kozhikode, women empowerment, memorable experiences and hobbies.

Study while others are sleeping, work while others are loafing, prepare while others are playing and dream while others are wishing... William A. Ward's recipe for success what Kozhikode District Collector Rachna Shah imbibed during her days at the Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi is still the driving force behind her successful career.

Two years in office, this young IAS officer hailing from New Delhi, has been keeping a very low profile unlike her predecessors. " That is my nature. Different people have different attitudes. I stick to my work and I think I have made a difference in the lives of common man," says Ms. Shah, who is an early bird at the Collectorate and meets over 50 visitors daily, most of them women.

"I think the biggest strength of Kozhikode is its people. They are friendly, enterprising, industrious and open minded. The weaknesses are mainly the lack of growth in the real economy - agriculture and industry. Another major weakness is the inadequate rail and road connectivity, " says this post - graduate in Business Economies.

At present Ms Shah is also pursuing her doctoral studies in International Finance as a Ph.D. student registered with IIT, New Delhi.

Ms. Shah, who held the posts of Sub-Collector in Alappuzha and Kottayam during the early days in her 13-year career, has answers to ward off criticisms that Kozhikode is being neglected. "Kozhikode being the heart of Malabar needs to be recognised as such and now various departments are focusing on holistic, inclusive and balanced growth, " she points out.

She believes in an even-handed overall development of the district, including rural areas. Beach beautification, development of Kalipoika, widening of road at Eranhipalam and Arayidathupalam are ongoing projects in the city, Ms. Shah said.

Regarding the communal situation in the district, she believes "it is only a few, isolated mischievous elements that are trying to foment communal trouble. The situation in some pockets in the district needs to be monitored continuously, " she says.

Women in Kozhikode are articulate and aware of their rights. Most of them are actively involved in decision-making in matters related to education and health of their families. Nevertheless, there is a great need for more efforts for women empowerment, both socially and economically.

"I find that organisations like Kudumbasree which has given women an opportunity to organise themselves have considerably contributed to their social and economic empowerment, " Ms. Shah says.

The 39-year-old Collector says that her conduct of Assembly elections, dealing with natural disasters at Maruthonkara and rehabilitation works, organising the Haj camp, Malabar Maholsavam have enriched her experience.

Ms. Shah reads light fiction and enjoys music and travelling. John Grisham, Robin Cook and Dan Brown are her favourite writers. "But what I enjoy most is spending quality time with my children - Rohan and Saniya, " says Ms. Shah, whose husband, Amand Shah, is working as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture.

Was theirs a love marriage? "We met at the Academy," she says.

Kozhikode has a rich cultural heritage - folk forms, music, cuisine, kalari, ayurveda tradition. Family and community ties are quite strong especially in rural areas.

" It is better than any other district. Given a chance I will continue here," Ms. Shah, says responding to a hypothetical question.

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