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The role of civil service is like the backbone in the journey of Indian democracy. In the early decades after independence, when administrative corridors were dominated by men, some courageous women changed this perception with their intelligence and determination. These women officers not only handled the toughest positions, but by being honored with Padma awards by the Government of India, they proved that leadership has no gender but any woman can do anything with her talent.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, here we are giving information about eight prominent women civil servants, who were awarded the Padma Award by the Government of India for their outstanding contribution during their service. These include women officers of the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service and Indian Police Service.

1- Anna Rajam Malhotra: India's first woman IAS

The name of Anna Rajam Malhotra is inscribed in golden letters in the history of the Indian Administrative Service. He was born on 17 July 1927 in Ernakulam district of Kerala. She was an officer of the 1951 batch and became the first woman IAS of independent India. He served in Madras cadre. She had worked with seven Chief Ministers. He held important posts in the Central Government like Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Secretary of the Ministry of Education.

Anna Rajam Malhotra.

Anna Rajam is known for his extraordinary role in the construction and implementation of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), the modern port of Mumbai. Apart from this, he also made a significant contribution in the successful organization of the 1982 Asian Games.

achievement: For his commendable service, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan in 1989.

2- Nirupama Rao: The most influential voice of the Indian Foreign Service

Nirupama Rao has been one of the most influential voices of the Indian Foreign Service. He was born on 6 December 1950 in Malappuram, Kerala. She has been an Indian Foreign Service officer of 1973 batch. She became the second female Foreign Secretary of India (2009–2011). Additionally, she served as India's Ambassador and High Commissioner to the United States, China and Sri Lanka. She was also the first female spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Nirupama Rao showed unparalleled skill in handling the India-China border talks and diplomatic relations following the India-US nuclear deal.

Achievements: The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan for his outstanding contribution to international relations and public service.

3- Meira Shankar: Strategic Relations Strategist

Meera Shankar protected India's interests on the global stage with great skill. Meera Shankar was born on 9 October 1950. She is an IFS officer of 1973 batch. She served as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2011. Before this, she was also India's Ambassador to Germany.

As ambassador to a powerful country like America, he strongly advocated India's economic and strategic policies. He is especially remembered for enhancing India-US cooperation in the field of defense and high technology.

Achievements: The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan for his distinguished service in public affairs.

4- Chokila Iyer: Pioneer of Foreign Service

Chokila Iyer achieved a position which no woman before her had achieved. He was born in Sikkim. She has been an IFS officer of 1964 batch. She became the first woman Foreign Secretary of India (2001–2002). She also served as India's Ambassador to Ireland and Mexico. At a time when the presence of women in top foreign policy positions was negligible, Chokila Iyer led with her administrative ability. He played an important role in balancing relations with neighboring countries.

Achievements: He was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his historic contribution in the field of diplomacy.

5- Lakshmi Puri: Raised voice for equality at global level

Lakshmi Puri expanded Indian diplomacy to the global platform of the United Nations. He was born in 1952. She has been an IFS officer of 1974 batch. He served as Assistant Secretary General at the United Nations. She was also the Deputy Executive Director of UN Women. Lakshmi Puri played a leading role in formulating international policies for women's empowerment, gender equality and human rights at the global level.

Lakshmi Puri.

Achievements: She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in recognition of her global impact in the field of international relations and women's development.

6- Sujata Singh: Strong diplomatic leadership

Sujata Singh is known for her frankness and administrative tenacity. He was born in 1954. She is an IFS officer of 1976 batch. She was the third female Foreign Secretary of India (2013–2015). He also held important diplomatic responsibilities as Ambassador to Germany and France. Sujata Singh gave a new direction to India's trade and strategic relations with European countries.

Sujata Singh.

Achievements: He was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his passion in resolving diplomatic complexities and keeping national interests paramount.

7- Sarla Grewal: Strong-willed officer

Sarla Grewal has been one of the influential and senior women officers in the history of the Indian Administrative Service. She held many top positions in the administration where no woman had reached before her. He was born on 4 October 1927. He was educated at Punjab University and later studied economics at Oxford University as a British Council Scholar. She was an IAS officer of 1952 batch. She was one of the first women officers in the country to get field posting. She became the first woman DC of Shimla. She was the Principal Secretary to PM Rajiv Gandhi. At that time, she was considered the most powerful woman bureaucrat in the country.

Sarla Grewal.

He also worked as Secretary of many departments in the Government of India. After retirement, he was appointed the Governor of Madhya Pradesh from 1989 to 1990. She was also the first woman Governor of Madhya Pradesh.

Achievements: Sarla Grewal did not receive the Padma Award but she was the second woman IAS officer of independent India. She was the first woman Principal Secretary to the PM. She also served as the first woman Governor of Madhya Pradesh. His biggest achievement was to bring transparency and dynamism in the governance system through administrative reforms and health policies.

8- Dr. Kiran Bedi: Mother of police reforms

Kiran Bedi has been India's most famous and influential female police officer. He was born on 9 June 1949 in Amritsar, Punjab. She is a 1972 batch officer and became India's first woman IPS. She served in various positions in Delhi Police, Director General of Tihar Jail and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.

Kiran Bedi.

Achievements: Kiran Bedi conducted revolutionary experiments like Vipassana and education for the reformation of prisoners in Tihar Jail, for which she received the Raman Magsaysay Award at the international level. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri for his courageous work in bringing humanitarian approach to police administration and improving law and order.

The saga of these eight women is not just the story of their positions, but is a reflection of India's changing social and administrative structure. From Anna Rajam Malhotra to Kiran Bedi, these officers proved that the real honor of a civil servant lies in the public interest work done by him. Padma Award is a small acknowledgment of the penance of these officers and their selfless contribution towards the nation. These names are like a lighthouse for today's generation of women officers.