Introducing a hero, an icon and a living legend:
Lt Col Arya, SC, VSM @ShouryArya
He hails from Bengaluru. Born in a modest family, he studied well and became a commercial pilot in the Air India. He continues to hold his flying license till date.
He went on to become an IRS (Indian Revenue Service) officer in 2004 and currently he is serving as Commissioner, IT.
Meanwhile he earned a degree in law and he is a member of the Bar Association. He also earned a PhD in psephology.
He soon earned a commission in the Territorial Army. His hard-work, determination, courage and valour not only made him a part of the elite forces of India, the Special Forces under the Para Regiment, but earned him a gallantry award, the Shaurya Chakra.
He is the only civilian officer to earn a Shaurya Chakra in the history of Republic of India.
Not just that. He also earned a Vishist Seva Medal (VSM) recently.
He is a great friend, a philosopher and guide to many. I joined the Territorial Army only because of his support and motivation!
The combination of Shaurya Chakra, VSM, Commissioner of Income Tax makes him not just one in a million, but one in a billion!
Not surprisingly, there is an entire chapter on him in the book, ‘India’s Most Fearless’ by @ShivAroor
I consider Lt Col Arya as a living legend, though he works quietly and still the simple, charming young man I met two decades ago.
Can there be a better icon than Lt Col Pradeep Arya, SC, VSM, IRS, Commissioner of Income Tax, for our youth?
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@adgpi@CMofKarnataka@SalmaFahimIAS
@kreisemahithi
@IRSAssociation