Priyanka Becomes First Woman from Lahaul-Spiti to Join Himachal Administrative Service, Inspires a Generation

In a historic achievement, Priyanka, a resident of Shansha village in Lahaul-Spiti, has become the first woman from the district to secure a position in the prestigious Himachal Administrative Service (HAS). Her journey of resilience and determination has not only etched her name in history but also ignited a wave of inspiration across the region.

Priyanka’s educational journey began at Senior Secondary School in Bhuntar, followed by her college studies in Kullu. With a keen interest in science, she pursued an MA in Zoology from Punjab University, Chandigarh, building a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

Initially, Priyanka aimed to fulfill her father’s dream of becoming a doctor. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t achieve this goal. However, she refused to give up and redirected her focus toward a career in administration in 2018. Her dedication bore fruit in 2021 when she was selected as a Block Development Officer (BDO). Yet, her ambitions didn’t stop there. Balancing her government duties with rigorous preparations for the HAS exam, Priyanka overcame several challenges, including failures, before finally achieving her goal.

Reflecting on her journey, Priyanka credited her parents, Shakuntala, a homemaker, and Dr. Prem Lal, a homeopathy doctor, for their unwavering support and belief in her potential. “This achievement is a reflection of the values instilled by my parents, who never let me lose hope,” she shared.

Her success has sparked widespread celebrations in Lahaul-Spiti, with the valley beaming with pride. Ashwani Kumar, the first HAS officer from the district and currently the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADM) of Kullu, congratulated Priyanka, describing her accomplishment as a source of inspiration for the youth of the region.

Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana also praised Priyanka’s achievement, calling her “the pride of Lahaul’s daughter.” She highlighted the importance of this milestone for a district that has long awaited greater representation in administrative services.

Priyanka’s accomplishment is not just a personal victory but a transformative moment for Lahaul-Spiti, demonstrating the potential of women from the region to rise to leadership roles and make a lasting impact.