We begin 2026 with a conversation that demanded patience.This episode of Real Verses with Saugat featuring Vinod Seshan, IAS, Joint Secretary, Government of India, was recorded earlier this year.As an active IAS officer in service, the episode required official clearance before release. Out of respect for due process and institutional integrity, we chose to wait - and did not publish any other episode this year before this one.And today, we’re proud to finally share it.In this deeply reflective conversation, we explore:• Purpose over popularity• Leadership in a loud world• The emotional weight of public service• UPSC reality vs. social media aspirations• Fear of failure and quitting before trying• What responsibility truly feels like• Meaning beyond rank and designationFrom All-India Rank 3 in the Civil Services Examination to shaping India’s energy narrative, Vinod Seshan speaks not about power - but about clarity, discipline, and humility.This is not a policy discussion.This is a human conversation.If you are:– A UPSC aspirant– A young professional at a crossroads– A leader navigating responsibility– Or someone searching for deeper meaningThis episode is for you.#RealVersesWithSaugat #VinodSeshan #IASOfficer #UPSCMotivation #PurposeOverPopularity #LeadershipIndia #PublicService #IndianPodcast