Harsh Goenka praises Tukaram Mundhe; officer says he is a small part of a team

Civil services officer Tukaram Mundhe is known for his swift action, honesty and plain speaking. Since he took charge of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), his name has been talked about not only across the country but abroad as well. Ordinary people and industrialists alike are among his admirers.

Well-known industrialist Harsh Goenka warmly praised Mundhe on the social media platform X. He said clearly that the country needs officers like him. According to Goenka, every citizen is curious to meet such a strict officer who is dedicated to his work.

Goenka wrote that Mundhe actually does what ordinary citizens expect of government officials. Goenka said Mundhe is protecting the public by taking strict action against food adulteration, dirty eateries and large establishments.

The post drew a flood of comments. Many netizens and well-known people strongly appreciated Mundhe's honest work.

Mundhe also replied to the post. He wrote that public service is never centred on one individual. It is a collective commitment to serving citizens with honesty, courage and firm resolve.

Mundhe said many civil services officers across the country are doing work worthy of being an example. He said they may well be doing better work than he is, but their efforts rarely get the recognition they deserve.

He further wrote that he himself is only a small part of a large team working together for this larger purpose. Whatever is achieved, he said, is the result of everyone's combined effort.

According to Mundhe, the trust and expectations of citizens are the greatest responsibility. He said honest, accountable and citizen-centred public service should not be an exception but the rule.

Mundhe is regarded as a dutiful officer with firm principles. He remains humble despite holding such a senior post. Netizens also praised his modest reply, saying it had boosted the morale of the country's other honest civil services officers.