Tina Dabi, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who made headlines by securing the top rank in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2015, is once again in the news. This time, it’s not her professional achievements but a viral video that has sparked a heated debate on social media. The video shows Dabi, the District Collector of Barmer, Rajasthan, bowing repeatedly before BJP leader Sathish Poonia.
The incident has divided opinions, with some praising her respectful gesture while others criticizing it, raising questions about the power dynamics between politicians and civil servants. The video shows Dabi bowing her head five times in a span of seven seconds, reportedly as a mark of respect for Poonia, the former State President of BJP in Rajasthan. In response, Poonia praised Dabi’s work in the district, stating that Barmer will become just like Indore, a city known for its development.
Social media erupted with comments, reflecting the divergent perspectives. One user commented, “Collector of Barmer district, Rajasthan. After seeing the work of Ji, the BJP party leaders Satish Punia praised his work, in honor of which DM Sahiba Tina Dabi bowed down and honored him… Which shows that their parents have given them good values…” Another user added, “There is no problem in bowing one’s head, public leaders are above bureaucrats. This behaviour of #TinaDabi reflects his good personality and decency.”
However, others questioned the nature of the gesture, highlighting the power dynamics at play. One user commented, “Tina Dabi earned fame not only in the country but in the whole world on the basis of her administrative skills. If she agrees with us on the praise being done by any MLA, then is it called bowing down or surrendering??…”
This incident has brought to the forefront the complex relationship between politicians and civil servants in India. While some argue that respect and deference are essential in maintaining order, others contend that such gestures can perpetuate power imbalances and undermine the principle of impartiality in public service. The viral video has ignited a much-needed conversation about the role of public figures in a democratic society and the importance of respecting the integrity of public service.