Ganga Kumar is a 2000 batch IAS currently posted in Bihar. He is an alumnus of Hindu College, DU and made it to the civil services at an age of 22. His wife Sneha is an architect.
Together, these two are trying to change the face of cancer awareness and diagnosis in India. As a couple, they have always been socially-focused.
Grameen Sneh Foundation
They started the Grameen Sneh Foundation in 2009.
Initially the aim was of increasing public engagement in issues such as health education, early childhood education, and art and culture.
However, Sneha was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. She received timely chemotherapy and is now cancer-free, but this episode set the stage for a new focus to their social venture.
The focus has now shifted towards cancer and the intensity has also increased as it is a personal cause for him.
The Foundation began its work in Bihar, Odisha, and Delhi-NCR.
Mostly the NGOs are accused of seeking publicity and funding from various sources, but GSF is one which is shy of publicity despite working in 3 states and not taking financial help from Government and other sources.
Awards & Recognition
A corner of his living room has a showcase decorated with various awards that he got for his efforts. But his modesty prompts him to say: “These are mostly for the office, I am just one sitting in the chair.”
Among various honours, the most recent one was Udyog Ratna Award.
This award is presented to Economic Leaders or Organizations’ for their exceptional vision, drive, persistence and results in Business and Economy.
‘Karma’ is the secret of my energy!
When asked about how he gets this much time and energy, he says, “Life is small and each one of us must do our part. We must give back to the society. It is our responsibility to work for the betterment. Awards and accolades all come when time wishes. That shouldn’t be the focus.”
His take on Bihar
He has written several books on Bihar’s glorious past which, he said, was limited to merely Nalanda, Bodhgaya, Rajgir.
Lamenting on the fact about migration, he remarked, “Everyone comes from Bihar to work, but no one works for Bihar”.
The philosopher in Ganga – 3 fundas!
#1. On relation of individual to society
We are at a distance from the society. The older you grow, the more society consumes you. The key here is to adapt and not give in.
People do not change, they remain the same. However, adaptability is the key.
#2. His Karma yoga
Do your work, leave the rest to God. Keep a balanced life. Happiness and sorrow are part and parcel. When time comes, your efforts would be recognised.
#3. Sattoo restaurant
Kumar’s happiness, apart from his social efforts, lies in opening a ‘Sattoo restaurant’ (in future) where people could come and consume various delicacies made from the humble gram flour consumed in various forms in Bihar. It is one of the main ingredients of ‘litti’ of the litti-chokha.
Published with inputs from Swapnil | Image - Facebook
