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Meet IAS Vishakha Yadav: The Officer Who Welcomed PM Modi in Arunachal Pradesh

Photos of the young IAS officer went viral after she greeted PM Modi in Papum Pare; here’s everything you need to know about her inspiring journey.

Who is Vishakha Yadav?

Vishakha Yadav is a 2019 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Papum Pare district in Arunachal Pradesh.

On Monday, she greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official visit to the northeastern state — a moment captured in photos that quickly went viral across social media.

“Proud to welcome Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji to Papum Pare,” she wrote while sharing photos of the interaction.

Her Academic & Professional Background

  • Hometown: Delhi
  • Education: B.Tech from Delhi Technological University (DTU)
  • Previous Job: Worked as an engineer at Cisco, Bengaluru
  • Career Shift: Quit her high-paying job to pursue her dream of becoming an IAS officer

Despite failing in her first two attempts, Vishakha cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam in her third attempt, and secured an impressive:

All India Rank (AIR) 6 in UPSC 2019
Score: 1,046 out of 2,025 marks

She did it without coaching, relying on self-study, discipline, and determination.

Family & Early Life

  • Born: 1994, in Delhi
  • Father: Rajkumar Yadav, Assistant Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police
  • Mother: Homemaker

Her humble roots and unwavering focus on public service have made her an inspiration for aspirants across the country.

Role in Arunachal Pradesh

As Deputy Commissioner of Papum Pare, Vishakha Yadav plays a key role in:

  • Overseeing district administration
  • Leading developmental initiatives
  • Coordinating public service delivery

Her recent appearance with PM Modi reflects her growing role in high-level state functions and governance.