The grand drum-beating and flower-showering welcome accorded at the induction of Ajay Gaude as the new Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) sparked a wave of controversy and introspection within bureaucratic and political circles, after he was slapped with a show-cause notice by the Chief Secretary. The CS stated that such conduct is unbecoming of a government servant and asked Gaude to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him for “the alleged unprofessional conduct”.
While the enthusiasm and optimism surrounding Gaude’s appointment are understandable given the political connotations attached, the exuberance manifested underscores the importance of professionalism, restraint, and the need for senior officers to handle ceremonial expressions with maturity, especially in the sensitive realm of government functioning.
The grand welcome of that scale, though intended as an expression of joy and hope for positive change, cannot be accepted in a formal work environment. The fact that staff arranged such celebrations without prior approval highlights a lapse in protocol and discipline. While Gaude’s discomfort at the moment is understandable, he, as a responsible officer, should have exercised discretion and managed the tempo of the celebration or disengaged at this very moment. The reasoning that he is not responsible for arrangements or what played out in the premises is immature.
On the flip side, this incident also exposes the ugly and unsettled side of SAG. The euphoria over Gaude’s induction is suggestive of a celebration of “aache din” and a desire for change. It can be interpreted as an expression of “freedom”. The SAG has witnessed undercurrents since the Sports portfolio was moved from Ramesh Tawadkar to Govind Gaude and then back to Tawadkar. There have been political influences on placements and alignments that have often hampered the progress and development of sports in Goa.
Against this landscape, Gaude faces a monumental challenge of steering this department and bringing about much-needed reforms. The start may not be ideal, but prioritising the State Sports Policy 2025, and aligning it with national and central initiatives like Khelo India, shows his intent to prioritize athlete development, infrastructure, and sports promotion. His focus on leveraging upcoming events such as the Chess World Cup and the Asian Gymnastics Championship suggests an understanding of sports tourism’s potential to boost the local economy. Also, his emphasis on youth engagement through NSS, NCC, and Scouts indicates a holistic approach to sports development.
The million-dollar question is whether Gaude can translate his promises into tangible results and whether he would succeed in wading through the choppy political undercurrents that have historically hindered the development of sports in the State. Day one at the office may be a mixed bag for Gaude, but the celebratory welcome should serve him as a reminder that he needs to rise above optics and adhere to protocol, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
The episode is a gentle reminder that professionalism and work ethics are above public displays of emotion. The message from the chief secretary’s notice is loud and clear that officers need to lead by example and display maturity and restraint, and at the same time, rise above politics. Gaude may have managed to mask his embarassment with a slew of crucial announcements, but we hope that lessons are learnt.
