From orphanage to district collector: Abdul Nasar’s 13-year ascent in Kerala

What Happened

Abdul Nasar grew up after the death of his father, with his mother Manhumma working across multiple households to raise six children. Facing mounting poverty, relatives suggested sending him to the Darussalam Orphanage in Thalassery, where he spent 13 years. During this period, Nasar took on work such as hotel service and other odd jobs to support himself, while continuing his education. A turning point came when a young IAS officer, Amitabh Kant, visited Nasar’s school; Nasar interpreted Kant’s example as a pathway to public service. He completed school, transferring to the Vatanapally Orphanage after Class 10, and then pursued studies and work concurrently, including delivering newspapers, giving tuitions, and working as a telephone operator while studying English literature.

In 1994, Nasar became a government health inspector. He continued preparing for Kerala’s civil services examination while employed, with his wife Ruksana supporting his preparation. He cleared the prelims in 2002 and the mains in 2004, ultimately succeeding in the final exam in 2006. Nasar started as Deputy Collector, earned recognition as Kerala’s Best Deputy Collector in 2015, and was elevated to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2017. In 2019, he was appointed District Collector of Kollam, marking a long journey built on sustained work, study, and resilience.

Why It Matters

The narrative illustrates how sustained effort, family support, and exposure to role models can influence a public-service career trajectory, moving from poverty and orphanage life to a senior administrative role in a Indian state. Nasar’s progression—from health inspector to Deputy Collector and then IAS—highlights the long ladder often involved in civil-service advancement and the impact of recognition, such as the 2015 Best Deputy Collector award, on career momentum.

Background

The story centers on Nasar’s early years after his father’s death and his mother’s efforts to sustain a large family. His time in the Darussalam Orphanage and later the Vatanapally Orphanage framed his formative years. A pivotal moment came when an active IAS officer visited his school, planting the idea of a future in civil service. Nasar balanced work with study over many years while receiving backing from his wife, Ruksana, enabling prolonged preparation for competitive exams.

Key Facts

• Abdul Nasar spent 13 years in an orphanage in Kerala after his father’s death.
• Orphanage locations mentioned: Darussalam Orphanage in Thalassery and later Vatanapally Orphanage.
• He began working at a young age (around 10) while pursuing education.
• He became a government health inspector in 1994.
• Prelims for Kerala’s civil services were cleared in 2002; mains in 2004; final exam in 2006.
• He started as Deputy Collector and was named Kerala’s Best Deputy Collector in 2015.
• Elevated to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2017.
• In 2019, he became District Collector of Kollam, Kerala.
• Family support included his wife, Ruksana, backing his preparation and efforts.
• Amitabh Kant’s visit to Nasar’s school inspired his public-service aspirations.