Latest news with #SumanNala
News18
18-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Success Story: IPS Suman Nala, A BITS Pilani Engineering Graduate, Cracked UPSC In 4th Attempt
A young probationary officer, IPS Suman Nala ended the 12-year social exile of 29 families from Banaskantha, gaining attention for her efforts. In the remote tribal region of Banaskantha, 29 families who had endured social exile for over a decade have finally returned home. Nearly 300 members of the Kodarvi community were ostracized, their homes deserted, and their farmlands neglected. Forced to leave, they survived as daily wage labourers in Surat, Palanpur, and other cities, cut off from their heritage and identity. For 12 years, no solution emerged until fate intervened in the form of IPS probationary officer Suman Nala. A young probationary officer, Nala ended the 12-year social exile of 29 families from Banaskantha, gaining attention for her efforts. Born into a modest family, she completed an engineering degree in Computer Science from BITS Pilani in 2012 and worked for three years at Oracle, but her dream was to become a civil service officer. Consequently, she left her job. In 2019, she secured the 508th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Exam on her fourth attempt and was selected for the post of IPS. Initially appointed to the Jharkhand cadre in 2021, she was transferred to the Gujarat cadre due to her marriage to Gujarat cadre IPS Om Prakash Jat. Since then, she has been serving in Gujarat. Suman's journey was challenging. The UPSC syllabus and her engineering background posed difficulties, as computer science was not an optional subject. She cleared the prelims for the first time in 2016 but did not pass the mains. In 2017, she reached the interview stage but did not make the final list. She failed again in 2018, but with support from her husband (who had also cleared UPSC) and her parents, she succeeded in 2019. Suman's strategy was effective. For prelims, she studied mock tests and monthly current affairs, believing that tests indicate what to remember and what to overlook. For her optional subject, she chose history, which she enjoyed. She prepared for prelims and mains simultaneously, focusing on prelims three to four months prior, then revising mains. Making notes was a habit that helped in revision. In the interview, she focused on her state, district, career, and education. A 2021 batch IPS officer, she was posted as ASP in Danta. There, her domestic help informed her that her parents were among the 300 people of the Kodarvi community ostracised for 12 years under the 'Chadotara' tradition following the 2014 murder. Suman investigated the case and found that the main accused had been acquitted, yet the punishment persisted. She began discussions with the Panchs along with SP Akshayraj Makwana and Sub-Inspector Jayshree Desai. Through patient negotiations and raising Rs 70 lakh (Rs 40 lakh from the collector fund and Rs 30 lakh from NGOs), she succeeded in bringing the families back. Now the fields are flourishing, 30 houses are being built, and the children are attending school. view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 17:16 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Time of India
After 12 years, 300 members of a tribal community return to their village in North Gujarat's Banaskantha district
Gandhinagar: On Thursday, about 300 members of the Kodavri tribal community of North Gujarat's Banaskantha district will return to their village, Mota Pipodara, after a gap of 12 years. The tribals were living elsewhere for over a decade because of the 'Chadotaru' custom following tensions between the Kodavri and Dabi tribal communities over a murder. The return of 29 Kodavri tribal families to Mota Pipodara village is a result of concerted efforts by the administration, led by Suman Nala, assistant superintendent of police, Danta. The officer, accompanied by other administration officers, held meetings with leaders of both communities to ensure they agreed to the option of peaceful coexistence instead of animosity. On Thursday, minister of state for home Harsh Sanghavi will welcome the Kodavri tribal community families back to the village. The authorities cleared 8.5 hectares of their agricultural land, which remained barren for 12 years, and made ready for cultivation again for the Kodavri community. Twenty-nine new houses will be constructed for the tribal community members, and free electricity connections will be provided to all homes, an official statement said. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad "As a result of sustained efforts and consultations, both communities have amicably agreed to live together again. On Thursday, the Kodavri community families will return to Mota Pipodara village," ASP Suman Nala said. In 2014, a murder case in Mota Pipodara village under Hadad police station jurisdiction led to tensions between the Kodavri and Dabi tribal communities. Due to the customary Chadotaru practice, 29 Kodavri families — around 300 people — were forced to leave their homes, lands, and livelihoods behind. Over the years, despite repeated requests and appeals, both formal and informal, the displaced families could not return. They were forced to work as daily wage labourers in places like Surat and Palanpur, losing not only their income and land but also their sense of belonging and identity. In the tribal belt of Gujarat, age-old customs and informal justice systems continue to play a vital role in maintaining social harmony. Among these, Chadotaru is a traditional mechanism used by communities to settle disputes, compensate families, and resolve conflicts collectively through community consensus, where 'panch' from both sides would come together to find a fair solution and maintain peace in society. While its original intent was to prevent long-standing feuds and promote reconciliation, in recent times it has taken the form of unjustified monetary demands, forced payments, or even threats and damage if unpaid.
