Valley of Words 2025
By Nikita Aggarwal
Dehradun, 26 Oct: The 9th edition of the Valley of Words (VoW) Festival in Dehradun redefined the dialogue between governance and creativity, shining a spotlight on India’s civil servants who embody both intellect and integrity. The festival became a testament to the fact that the country’s administrators, diplomats, and police officers are not only implementers of policy but also interpreters of human experience, thinkers who bring depth, reflection, and empathy to the art of governance.
This year’s VoW celebrated the remarkable intersection of public service and literature, featuring voices from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Their presence illustrated that service to the nation extends beyond files and frameworks, it thrives in ideas, creativity, and moral imagination. Across two dynamic days, these officers turned the festival into a living dialogue between duty and expression, where governance took the form of verse and policy evolved into poetry.
“Individuals, Institutions, Ideas”, chaired by Shishir Priyadarshi (CRF), brought together Abhinav Kumar (BSF) and Sanjeev Chopra (LBSNAA) in a reflective conversation on India’s institutional legacy. Their insights explored how visionary leadership and enduring values continue to shape the moral and structural framework of public service. The discussion resonated with the audience as a tribute to the ethical foundations and resilience that define India’s administrative spirit.
Through their stories, reflections, and writings, these civil servants reminded audiences that leadership is as much about conscience as it is about command. As the festival drew to a close, the Valley of Words reaffirmed its role as a space where governance meets grace, where those who serve also inspire. In the serene setting of Dehradun, policy met poetry, and together, they created a portrait of India led by wisdom, compassion, and the power of words.
