Dream big, but work hard

Born in the small village of Bayang in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district, state minister O P Choudhary's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and remarkable achievements.

- In an exclusive interview with Shishir Roy Chowdhury of The Statesman

Overcoming early hardships, including the loss of his father at the age of eight, he cleared the UPSC examination at just 22, becoming one of the youngest IAS officers of his batch.

His tenure in the Indian Administrative Service was marked by innovative governance, which earned him the prestigious Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

A key figure in the BJP's campaign during the Jharkhand election, Choudhary transitioned to politics and joined the saffron party in 2018. Persevering through electoral challenges, he emerged victorious in 2023 as a member of the Legislative Assembly from Raigarh.

Currently serving as the youngest minister in Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's cabinet, Choudhary handles critical portfolios such as Finance, Commercial Tax, Housing and Environment, Planning, and Economics & Statistics. Choudhary's trajectory reflects his deep commitment to public service.

In an exclusive interview with Shishir Roy Chowdhury of The Statesman, he discusses his inspiring journey, the challenges of governance, and his vision for Chhattisgarh's future.

Q. Your journey from a remote village in Chhattisgarh to becoming one of the youngest IAS officers is remarkable. How has your early life shaped your approach to governance and public service?

A. Growing up in Bayang, a remote village in Raigarh, taught me the value of resilience and determination. The hardships my family and I faced made me deeply empathetic toward the struggles of others, especially those in rural areas. As an IAS officer, I focused on grassroots governance, ensuring that the benefits of policies reached the most marginalized sections of society. This commitment continues to guide my political journey, where I strive to bring transformative changes to people's lives through innovative policies and transparent governance.