Retired IAS Dr. S. Siddharth Wins Hearts with Gardening Video

New Delhi, January 1, 2026: A refreshing display of grounded living was witnessed this week through a viral video featuring retired senior IAS officer Dr. S. Siddharth. On December 31, 2025, footage surfaced on social media showing the former bureaucrat actively working in his home garden. Rather than delegating the task to domestic help, Dr. Siddharth was observed handling a kudali (hoe) with ease, digging the soil and preparing his plants for the new year. The video has quickly become a symbol of how true leadership is rooted in simplicity, even after decades of holding high-ranking administrative positions.

The Man of Many Talents: Beyond the Bureaucracy

Dr. S. Siddharth, a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, has long been known for his intellectual depth and varied interests. An alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, he was often noted for his academic excellence, holding a PhD in Information Technology and pursuing another in Economics. Throughout his career, including his tenure as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) and Development Commissioner, he was observed maintaining a uniquely accessible persona. Whether he was seen inspecting schools or sipping tea at a roadside stall, his “common man” approach has frequently made him a digital sensation.

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Gardening as a Message of Environmental Connection

In the latest viral clip, the retired officer was heard sharing his personal philosophy on the importance of staying connected to nature. He was observed meticulously clearing weeds and tilling the earth, appearing entirely unbothered by the physical labor involved. Commenters on platforms like X and Facebook have hailed the video as a “inspiring new year message,” suggesting that the act of gardening serves as a metaphor for nurturing one’s own roots and mental peace. Many noted that seeing a man who once managed state-level departments now “getting his hands dirty” in his own yard is a powerful lesson for today’s youth.

A Legacy of Surprise Inspections and Simplicity

The popularity of this gardening video is rooted in Dr. Siddharth’s history of unconventional behavior that often went viral during his service. He was previously observed taking surprise inspections of Bihar’s schools by traveling in public transport or riding a bicycle. In another famous instance from 2025, he was seen trying his hand at making launglata (a traditional sweet) at a local shop. These actions have consistently humanized the often-impenetrable image of the Indian bureaucracy, proving that power and prestige do not have to come at the cost of one’s personal identity or humility.

Redefining Retirement in 2026

As the world enters 2026, Dr. Siddharth’s peaceful transition into a life of hobby and manual labor has been held up as a model for “graceful retirement.” While many high-ranking officials distance themselves from the public eye post-service, he continues to be observed engaging with the community through his simple lifestyle choices. The video of him with a kudali in hand is being viewed not just as a leisure activity, but as a statement on the dignity of labor. It serves as a reminder that regardless of the titles one holds, the ultimate fulfillment is often found in the simplest of tasks.