IAS officer Medha Roopam is currently in the spotlight after being appointed as the District Magistrate of Noida. She has become the first woman to hold this position. Her appointment coincides with another major development in her family — her father, retired senior IAS officer Gyanesh Kumar Gupta, has been named the Election Commissioner of India.
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Strong Administrative Legacy
Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988 batch Kerala cadre IAS officer from Agra, is known for decisive administrative actions. He served as Union Home Ministry Secretary during the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. His leadership style and policy execution have been widely acknowledged in bureaucratic circles.
Early Life and Sports Career
Before joining the civil services, Medha Roopam excelled as a shooting sportsperson. She won three gold medals at the Kerala State Shooting Championship, breaking a state record. Her achievements in sports reflected her focus and discipline, traits that later shaped her administrative career.
Inspiration to Join the Civil Services
Medha credits her father’s guidance as the turning point that led her to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Determined to serve in the Indian Administrative Service, she worked hard and secured an impressive 10th rank. In 2014, she joined the Uttar Pradesh cadre of the IAS.
Initial Postings and Continued Passion for Shooting
Her first posting was as Assistant Magistrate in Bareilly. Later, she served as Joint Magistrate in Meerut and Unnao. Even while in these demanding roles, she continued to participate in shooting competitions, winning gold medals and proving that passion need not fade with professional responsibilities.
Career Progression in Administration
Medha Roopam’s career has included several significant postings. She worked as Joint Director at UPAAM in Lucknow and as Special Secretary in the Department of Women Welfare. She then served as Chief Development Officer of Barabanki before becoming the District Magistrate of Hapur. Each role strengthened her administrative capabilities and leadership profile.
Personal Life and Family Support
Medha is married to IAS officer Manish Bansal, also from the 2014 batch. Born in Punjab, Manish holds an M.Tech degree. The couple met during their training at Mussoorie and began their journey together. Today, they balance professional responsibilities and family life with two children.
Role of Family Guidance
Medha often acknowledges her father’s influence in key life decisions. She describes his mentorship as crucial to her success in both personal and professional domains. With her father now in a high-profile constitutional role and her own active administrative presence, the family has become a focal point of public attention.
From breaking records in shooting to breaking barriers in administration, IAS Medha Roopam’s journey reflects determination, discipline, and a commitment to public service. Her story continues to inspire aspirants preparing for the UPSC, proving that with the right guidance and perseverance, it is possible to excel in multiple fields.
