In a historic move, Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati has appointed IPS officer Ananya Awasthi as his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), making her the very first woman to achieve the prestigious position in the state.
A formal induction ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, where the Governor welcomed Awasthi to her new assignment as the Police ADC. Senior officials of the Governor’s Secretariat were present on the occasion.
Conveying his best wishes for her successful tenure, Kambhampati, in a post on X, said, “Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, has appointed IPS officer Ms. Ananya Awasthi as the Police Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Odisha. As Odisha’s first woman ADC to the Governor, her appointment marks a historic milestone in women’s leadership and empowerment. The Hon’ble Governor conveyed his best wishes for her successful tenure.”
Prior to stepping into the high-profile assignment, Awasthi was serving as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), UPD, Cuttack. Awasthi succeeds IPS officer Kuldeep Meena, who previously served as the Police ADC to the Governor.
Her transition into this role of serving as ADC to the Odisha Governor stands as a monumental milestone for gender representation and female empowerment within the realm of public service.
IPS Ananya Awasthi, meanwhile, thanked the Odisha Governor for the opportunity, describing her new assignment as a significant position of responsibility.
She stated that the role would inspire young girls and women to choose the path of public service.
“I want to thank the Governor and Government of Odisha for giving me this opportunity to serve as the first female ADC to the Governor. For me, professionally, it is a good position of responsibility as it will give me a lot of exposure. Also, serving a constitutional authority gives me a sense of immense pride as well as a sense of responsibility. Personally, it’s also a big milestone for me because I’m the first woman ADC to the Governor, and I think it will inspire a lot of women out there and young girls out there to take the path of public service and not feel afraid of pursuing anything in their lives…” said Awasthi speaking to news agency ANI.
The Governor of Odisha is assisted by two ADCs-one from the Odisha Police and one from the Indian Navy. While Ananya Awasthi will serve as the Police ADC, Lieutenant Harshit Deo of the Indian Navy will continue as the Naval ADC to the Governor.
The ADC plays an important role in assisting the Governor during official engagements, ceremonial functions, and other protocol-related duties.
Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena congratulated Ananya Awasthi on becoming the first woman to hold the post of police ADC to the Governor.
“A historic milestone for our state that beautifully reflects the growing strength of women’s leadership and empowerment. Wishing her a highly successful tenure ahead,” Jena wrote on X.
Her appointment marks a significant step forward for women’s representation in leadership and public service in Odisha, officials said.
