From Village Roots to National Policy: The Story of Dr. Harish Yadav

 




 Blending Public Duty with Personal Passion

In the corridors of power, where numbers often speak louder than words, Dr. Harish Yadav stands apart. For him, statistics are not just figures on paper—they are stories of people, livelihoods, and change. His journey from the small towns of Western Uttar Pradesh to the highest echelons of national policymaking is a testament to how empathy and governance can coexist.

Born in Rishikesh and belong to  Gunnaur–Babrala, District Sambhal, a socially and economically backward region, Dr. Yadav’s early life gave him first-hand experience of rural struggles. This grounding shaped his perspective as he entered the Central Civil Services, where he has since served in more than 24 designations—a national record that highlights the diversity of his contributions.


Policy with a Human Touch

Dr. Yadav’s career reflects versatility and vision. From serving as Special Officer in the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to being a Resource Person for SEBI (2012) promoting financial literacy, he has consistently combined technical expertise with grassroots impact. His association as Social Ambassador of the Fit India Movement under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports further illustrates his commitment to public health and wellness.

At the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Yadav has been deeply engaged in policy formulation, particularly in the preparation of the Economic Survey of India. Known as an economist who understands both the data and its human implications, he has contributed to MSME development, infrastructure finance, and fiscal policy.

One of the landmark milestones of his career was the MSME Expedition, a unique awareness campaign that covered 3,500 km across five states in just 12 days. Organizing 75 awareness meetings, his team reached thousands directly and millions indirectly—bringing government MSME schemes to both rural and urban India. “Policy must not only solve problems, it must also touch lives,” he often says, a philosophy reflected in every initiative he undertakes.


Social Campaigns and Public Initiatives

Beyond policymaking, Dr. Yadav has spearheaded several impactful campaigns:

· Save Water Campaign – Advocating sustainable water usage.

· Save Our Rivers Campaign – A nationwide movement to rejuvenate rivers, globally appreciated by Dr. Eva Abel, CEO of the International River Foundation.

· Gram Utkarsh – A rural upliftment programme focused on infrastructure, education, and employment.

· Fit India Movement – Promoting health and wellness nationwide as Social Ambassador.

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Global Engagement and Representation

Dr. Yadav’s vision extends far beyond India’s borders. He has represented the nation at platforms like UNESCO and the Royal Commonwealth Society, London, where he contributed to global discussions on sustainable development, youth leadership, and inclusive growth.

 

Literary Contributions: Where Policy Meets Poetry

A policymaker by profession and a poet by passion, Dr. Yadav channel his reflections into literature. His writings explore themes of environment, human values, social justice, and spiritual harmony—blending personal introspection with civic engagement.

Notable Publications include:

· Yugdrishta – Poems on social consciousness

· Anugoonj (2017) – Collection of Hindi poetry

· Pawanhans (2020) – Long narrative poem

· Garden of Bliss – Poems on nature and sustainability

· Kham-e-Misga – Urdu poetry

· I – Recognized for the shortest book title in the India Book of Records

· Pathar Bolte Hain – Poems on introspection and transformation

· Township Ke Din (2024) – A nostalgic tribute to IDPL Township life


Awards and Recognitions

· Global Youth Leadership Award (2019) – Conferred by the Prime Minister of Nepal.

· Holder of a Guinness World Record and several India Book of Records for his multidisciplinary achievements.




Legacy and Impact

Dr. Harish Yadav is more than an officer—he is an economist with empathy, a policymaker with vision, a poet with conscience, and a campaigner with impact. His life is a reminder that public service, when infused with creativity and compassion, has the power to transform lives.

From the lanes of Babrala to global forums, his story is one of resilience, innovation, and service—a story where governance meets humanity, and where numbers speak, but always with a heart.