At the Last Mile | Episode 1 | Mr. Pravir Krishna IAS (Retd.)

Featuring Mr. Pravir Krishna, IAS (Retd.) Udbaru Foundation proudly presents the inaugural episode of its podcast series, “At the Last Mile”, featuring an eminent civil servant, Mr. Pravir Krishna, IAS (Retd.), former Managing Director of TRIFED, Government of India. A distinguished officer of the 1987 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (Madhya Pradesh Cadre), Mr. Krishna takes us through an inspiring journey that began with his very first posting in public service and evolved into a lifelong commitment to the welfare and empowerment of India’s tribal communities. Drawing from his rich administrative experience as District Magistrate and Collector of Sarguja and Bastar, and later as the Managing Director of TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, he shares remarkable insights into governance, leadership, and inclusive development. His pioneering efforts in Bastar to secure fair prices for tamarind harvested by tribal communities earned him the affectionate title of the “Imli Man”—a testament to his people-centric approach and lasting impact on tribal livelihoods. Mr. Krishna also discusses his recently published book, Tryst with Tribals, which chronicles his experiences, learnings, and perspectives on tribal development across India. In this candid conversation, he reflects on the challenges, opportunities, and the transformative power of empathetic governance. The episode concludes with his thoughtful vision for the future, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among governments, civil society, communities, and institutions to ensure sustainable and dignified development for India’s tribal populations. This inaugural conversation is hosted by the co-founders of Udbaru Foundation: Ms. Sharmila Goswami, President Dr. Kumar Amarendra Narayan Singh, CEO Through “At the Last Mile”, Udbaru Foundation seeks to bring to the forefront the voices, experiences, and ideas of change-makers who have dedicated their lives to reaching the last mile of development. We invite you to join us on this journey of meaningful conversations that inspire action, foster understanding, and celebrate those working towards a more equitable and inclusive India.