A video of Swapnil Wankhede, an IAS officer and collectorate of the 2016 batch of Madhya Pradesh, Datia district, talking politely to an orphaned child has gone viral on social media.
The video is of IAS Wankhede hunching down at the level of the child, hearing her attentively and speaking gently to her, which made her smile.
Wankhede, who assumed the position as the District Magistrate of Datia in Madhya Pradesh in June 2025, is being lauded for his humane style of administration.
He queries the girl about her family in the video. “Aapke saath kitne log hain? he asks. The girl says, “Main hoon aur teen chhoti behnein, main sabse badi hoon”
After listening to her reply, Wankhede approaches the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to investigate for any possible help. He orders that every one of the girls be given Rs 4,000 from state schemes and inquires if the Red Cross can assist with their school admission.
The officer was acclaimed by social media users in the comments section. “The world changes; we just need the one who makes the change. Salute to you, sir,” wrote a user.
Another user commented, “Sirji, you are very good. Regardless of how much you are valued, it won’t be enough.”
“This is what you call a Collector, sir. Instant action, good reading,” another user commented.
A user said, “Salute to you, sir. When a child matures, God knows you.”
“Thank you a lot to such officers who are very ethical and kind-hearted,” a user commented.
