On the second holy bath of Maha Kumbh 2025, during Mauni Amavasya, a stampede occurred, injuring several people. After this incident, the name of Vijay Kiran Anand, the officer in charge of the grand event, has been in the spotlight. His journey to becoming an IAS officer is inspiring and interesting, especially since he first studied to be a Chartered Accountant.
About Maha Kumbh 2025
The festival started on January 13 and will conclude on February 26 with the sixth and final holy bath. Every day, thousands of devotees visit the Sangam to take a sacred dip. IAS officer Vijay Kiran Anand has the responsibility of managing this massive and divine event safely and smoothly.
An IAS Officer and Chartered Accountant
Vijay Kiran Anand cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2008. He belongs to the 2009 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Born in Bengaluru, he is also a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA). His first posting was as SDM in Bagpat, Uttar Pradesh. After serving there for two years, he was transferred to Barabanki, where he worked as the Chief Development Officer (CDO).
Experience as District Magistrate (DM)
Vijay Kiran Anand has served as DM in several districts, including Mainpuri, Unnao, Firozabad, Varanasi, and Shahjahanpur. He also managed major events like the Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela. In 2017, he was in charge of the Magh Mela, and in 2019, he handled the Ardh Kumbh Mela. His experience extends to departments like Panchayati Raj, Irrigation, and Basic Education.
A Major Responsibility for Maha Kumbh 2025
This year, he was assigned the most significant role of his career — as the chief officer of Maha Kumbh 2025. To manage the massive crowd expected at the event, the Uttar Pradesh government created a temporary district called “Maha Kumbh Mela District,” which includes 67 villages spread across four tehsils. Vijay Kiran Anand is its District Magistrate.
Recognition from PM Modi
Due to his excellent work, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored him with the Prime Minister’s Award in 2020 during Civil Services Day. He received a certificate and a commemorative memento from the PM himself.
With his vast experience and dedication, Vijay Kiran Anand is playing a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe organization of Maha Kumbh 2025.
