Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 25: Iqbal Singh Dhaliwal’s life story is one of perseverance, brilliance, and a constant drive to make a difference in the world. From securing the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1996 to becoming the global executive director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), his journey reflects both personal determination and professional excellence.

Born in Bengaluru in 1972, Iqbal grew up in a family that valued service and education. His father served in the Border Security Force, while his mother managed a school. His sister went on to become a doctor. He studied at Mothers International School in Delhi, where he spent 14 years and was the head boy of the 1989 batch.

After completing his BA in economics from Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University, and an MA in economics from the Delhi School of Economics, he pursued further studies at Princeton University, where he earned a master’s in public affairs with a focus on development studies. He excelled academically, winning a gold medal for standing first in his undergraduate program and receiving the Dean’s Fellowship at Princeton.

Iqbal’s civil service journey began in 1994 when he attempted the UPSC examination for the first time and secured an all-India rank of 229. He was allotted to the Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group A, but with his heart set on the Indian Administrative Service, he tried again. In his second attempt in 1996, he secured the top rank in the country, a dream he and his family had cherished for 24 years. He was allotted to the Tamil Nadu cadre and went on to serve as an IAS officer for five years. During his training, he also received the Director’s Gold Medal at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration.

Despite a promising career in the civil services, Iqbal decided to shift his focus to global development and poverty alleviation. Moving to the United States, he joined J-PAL, where he now leads as global executive director, driving evidence-based policymaking to reduce poverty worldwide. His work has earned him recognition, including the Guru Nanak Devji Achievers Award from the Government of Punjab in 2019.

Iqbal’s personal life is closely intertwined with academia. At the Delhi School of Economics, he met Gita Gopinath, now the first deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund and formerly IMF’s first female chief economist. Their friendship blossomed into marriage, and together they pursued their academic journeys to Princeton. Today, the couple lives in Cambridge with their son, balancing professional excellence with a strong family life.

Reflecting on his civil services journey, Iqbal often recalls the determination that led him to the IAS. In his own words, “It was a dream that my family and I nourished for 24 years.” Though his career path took him from the corridors of Indian administration to the forefront of global poverty research, the core of his mission has remained unchanged — to serve people and make a meaningful impact.

Iqbal Dhaliwal’s story is a reminder that success is not defined by a single milestone but by a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and contributing to society at every step.