Written by Oshin Maharjan
In a world often marked by cynicism and disillusionment, there are individuals whose unwavering commitment to empathy and integrity shines as a beacon of hope. One such individual is Rajesh Sah Jaiswal, whose remarkable journey from a traumatic past to becoming an Integrity Icon in 2022 is a testament to the transformative power of values and dedication.
Rajesh Sah Jaiswal’s early life was marred by adversity. He lost his mother at a young age and was raised by a single father who instilled in him the values of kindness, integrity, and ethics. These values became the cornerstone of his character and would shape his destiny. Fueled by his desire to relieve those in need during times of violence, Rajesh became a police officer who integrated empathy into his everyday duties and became an ally to the public.
Journey of integrity
Rajesh Sah’s journey towards becoming a police officer with unwavering integrity began with a pivotal moment during his teenage years. While obtaining citizenship at the District Administration Office, he witnessed government officials lacking accountability. He experienced firsthand the frustrating delays caused by some officials who prioritized those offering bribes. This injustice ignited a fire within him – a vow never to compromise on efficiency and never to cause trouble to others in his role as a public servant.
However, several instances in Rajesh Sah’s journey tested his commitment to integrity. During such cases, seeking guidance from other individuals with integrity within the department proved helpful. During his tenure, Rajesh Sah cited his role model, Pradip Raj Kanel, a Chief District Officer of Sarlahi and another Integrity Icon. Kanel often visited and checked the offices of the districts to ensure accountability. He was genuinely dedicated to his work and always kind to people in need. His emphasis on the importance of sincerity in public service reaffirmed Rajesh’s dedication to his path.
A citizen-centric approach
Rajesh Sah seamlessly integrated empathy into his work. He went above and beyond in supporting service-seekers, including individuals with special needs. One memorable instance involved helping a person with speech impairment who had an accident. Rajesh rushed the injured person to the hospital and arranged for his food and accommodation for six months until his contacts could be located during his posting at the provincial hospital of Malangawa in Sarlahi, his proactive efforts extended to upgrading hospital facilities, including the post-mortem hall. There was no proper equipment, such as a freezer, in the post-mortem hall, making it challenging to manage dead bodies that needed to be stored for an extended period. He coordinated with the ward office and the Medical Superintendent to improve the hall’s management. His commitment to public service helped change public perception of the entire police unit, embodying the department’s value of “Police My Friend.”
For Rajesh, one of the proudest moments was being recognized as an “Integrity Icon.” This honor acknowledged his efforts and highlighted the significance of his commitment to his values. With this honor came an increased responsibility to uphold these values and work even more diligently in public service.
Rajesh’s dedication and compassion shone even brighter during the COVID-19 pandemic. His core responsibility at Malangawa hospital was to keep records of the cases. However, Rajesh’s efforts during COVID-19 in the hospital were highly admired by the public and his colleagues. He worked tirelessly as a frontline worker for up to 72 hours straight. His efforts included managing quarantines, caring for COVID-19-positive patients, and handling deceased individuals – which even many health professionals had avoided due to the risk of infection. Rajesh’s proactive approach motivated his colleagues, who overcame their hesitancy to act.
Through his actions, Rajesh has redefined the narrative that to bring change, you need to be in a powerful position. His empathic actions, delivered with integrity and keeping people at the heart of the service, have exemplified that even within limited jurisdiction, positive change is possible.
A legacy of compassion
Rajesh Sah’s story reminds us that our response to adversity defines our character and legacy. He is a dedicated public servant and a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of integrity in shaping a better future. His deep compassion and commitment to making a lasting impact on society drive him to prioritize his role as a social worker and public servant. In the future, Rajesh aspires to establish a home for the elderly and orphans, furthering his mission to serve the nation.
Drawing inspiration from his journey, we find the strength to overcome any challenge. His status as an Integrity Icon is a reminder that, with unwavering dedication, resilience, and a collaborative spirit, we can make a positive difference in the world. Rajesh’s life is a testament to the enduring power of empathy and integrity, guiding us to a brighter future for all.