Kerala: India's first visually impaired woman IAS officer takes charge as Thiruvananthapuram's Sub-Collector

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], Oct 14 (ANI): Pranjal Patil, India's first visually challenged woman IAS officer on Monday took charge as Sub-Collector of Thiruvananthapuram.

A warm reception was arranged to welcome her as she took over from former collector B Gopalakrishnan. She served as an assistant collector in Ernakulam for a year in 2018 before taking charge here.

"I am feeling extremely glad and proud after taking this charge. As I start working I will be able to know more about the district and would plan better for it. I expect support and co-operation from my fellow members and people of Trivandrum," Patil said while speaking to media.

Patil, who hails from Ulhasnagar in Maharashtra, lost her eye-sight at the age of six. She, however, did not lose hope and completed her graduation in political science. Master degree in International relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Patil was ranked 733 in civil services in her first attempt in 2016 and 124 the next year.

Giving a message to the youth she said: "We should never be defeated and never give up. With our efforts, we will always be able to achieve what we desire." (ANI)