At Home with the IT Secretary
By Muntazir Abbas
Delhi, Aug 29, 2008 1650 hrs IST

Dharam Pal, secretary (IT) is a 1990-batch IAS officer and an M.Tech from IIT, Delhi.

A combination of technology and administrative expertise has seen him win several laurels. These include a national e-governance award for implementation of IT while building houses for tsunami victims. Besides professional accomplishments, he is also a loving father, caring husband, and a complete family man.

This Saturday is no different for him. "I begin my regular day with light workout and Yoga, including Pranayama, together with a garden stroll at 6:00 a.m." And as he comes to the drawing room in his office clothes, I look surprised and ask, "Do you have to go out?"

"Yes," says he. "I am off to the secretariat to close some files and complete some pending cases. I do not like to carry-forward work to the next week."

But once home, Pal says he likes to stay glued to the television. But today will be special. I am taking my entire family including my father to the Akshardham temple. After the darshan, he takes a boat ride and visits all the exhibitions and musical fountains.

An ardent Hanuman devotee, Pal normally fasts on Tuesdays. But here, out side the temple, Pal along with the family bites on masala dosas and Gujarati delicacies, that are later washed down with heavy Punjabi lassi. "But my favorites remain aaloo ka parantha, sarso da saag, makki di roti, daal makhani and chicken tandoori," says Pal.

"My wife is a teacher by profession and is a great cook. Occasionally, when I do take charge of the kitchen, she assists me. I can make decent roasted chicken or mutton or fish."

What is the plan for tomorrow? "Sunday is the day, which I generally keep for myself. It is devoted to my family, where we catch new Bollywood releases and dine out. We saw Singh is King last weekend. I find solace in Sufi and Punjabi-folk music and also enjoy action thrillers and science fiction movies."

Having spent five years as an administrator for the UN in overseas operations, Pal sees Singapore as a perfect holiday destination that features multi cuisines and has an ample scope for shopping locations. "I feel at home in Singapore."

Using the only computer available in the district office, Pal successfully computerized the land records of Niel & Havelock Islands, which comes as one of his earlier accomplishments.

"To coordinate with various departments and officials concerning IT initiatives is the biggest challenge for me." he says. I do keep myself abreast with the latest developments in technology and space research, says he, as I turn towards the door and bid the family good bye.