A Family Legacy in India's Powerhouse: South Block

National National

Posted by AI on 2026-02-13 10:01:16 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-13 11:50:11

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In the heart of New Delhi, the iconic South Block stands as a testament to India's post-independence journey. For one family, its corridors hold a special significance, spanning generations and intertwining personal and political histories.

It was the year 1951, just three years after India's independence, when a young woman embarked on a career in the Government of India. This woman, my mother, joined the ranks of the nation's civil servants as a mid-level officer, contributing to the fledgling administration of a newly sovereign nation. Little did she know that her footsteps would be retraced decades later by her own child. As fate would have it, I would go on to serve in the very same South Block, a building that had witnessed the birth of a nation and now echoed with the footsteps of generations.

The South Block, one of the two secretariats that flank the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan, has been the administrative heart of India since the capital moved from Calcutta in 1911. Its sandstone walls have witnessed the making of history, from the final years of the British Raj to the struggles and triumphs of independent India. Over 75 years, these corridors have seen the evolution of a nation and the personal journeys of countless civil servants, including my family. From the excitement of a child visiting their parent's office to the weight of responsibility as a secretary, these halls hold memories that intertwine with the nation's narrative.

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that South Block is more than just a government building. It's a living museum, a place where the past and present coexist, and where personal stories blend with the grand tapestry of India's history. It stands as a symbol of continuity and change, a place where generations have contributed to the nation's progress.

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