Bhubaneswar: A felicitation ceremony was organised at the conference hall of Kharavela Bhawan to honour Chief Secretary of Odisha, Shri Manoj Ahuja, who is set to retire from service on December 31, 2025. The event was held as a mark of gratitude and respect for his goal-oriented leadership, professional work culture and exemplary administrative contributions.
The ceremony reflected on Shri Ahuja’s extensive administrative career, including his tenure of over one and a half years as Chief Secretary, his services to the Government of India, and his impactful roles across various districts and at the State headquarters. His leadership style, personality and constructive approach to governance were fondly remembered by colleagues and senior officers.
Shri Ahuja was accompanied by his spouse, Smt. Arati Ahuja, a retired administrative officer. Both shared their deep affection and emotional connection with Odisha, highlighting the meaningful experiences they gained during their administrative careers in the State. On the occasion, the Chief Secretary also offered valuable advice and guidance to Secretaries and senior officers from various departments.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ahuja remarked that Odisha has a strong and capable administrative team. He appreciated the depth of knowledge, efficiency and quality of work demonstrated by officers across departments. Expressing optimism about Odisha’s future, he conveyed his confidence in the State’s continued development and extended his best wishes to all officers for their future endeavours.
The Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, in his welcome address, described Shri Ahuja’s leadership style as consistently constructive and advisory rather than rigid or authoritarian. A short documentary showcasing key milestones, achievements and memorable moments from Shri Ahuja’s tenure as Chief Secretary was screened, creating a deeply emotional and reflective atmosphere during the programme.
Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Smt. Anu Garg, stated that Shri Ahuja provided focused and result-driven leadership to the State’s administrative system. She highlighted the technology-driven reforms and significant initiatives implemented during his tenure, particularly during the period of transition to the new government.
Additional Chief Secretaries Shri Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Shri G. Mathi Vathanan, Principal Secretary Shri Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Shashwat Mishra, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Aswathy S, Skill Development and Technical Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Bhupendra Singh Poonia, and other senior officers shared their long-standing professional experiences with Shri and Smt. Ahuja. They spoke about their personal rapport, exemplary values, humane approach and inspirational leadership.
Several Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners and Secretaries from different departments were present at the ceremony, making the occasion a dignified and heartfelt tribute to the outgoing Chief Secretary.
