The Maha Kumbh, an extraordinary confluence of faith, culture, and spirituality, has drawn millions of people from all corners of the world to the holy city of Prayagraj. Known for its immense scale and sheer number of devotees, the event is a logistical marvel, requiring impeccable management and coordination to ensure safety and smooth operations. However, recent events, such as a stampede on Mauni Amavasya, have sparked discussions about the arrangements in place. In this context, three distinguished officers with diverse academic backgrounds—MBA, CA, and B.Tech holders—are leading the operations and ensuring the success of Maha Kumbh 2025.
The Administrative Backbone of Maha Kumbh
In a historic move, the Uttar Pradesh government declared the vast 4000-hectare Kumbh Mela area as a temporary district for four months. Entrusting the responsibilities of this massive event to capable hands, three key officers were appointed to manage the operations: Vijay Kiran Anand as the District Magistrate (DM), Rajesh Dwivedi as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), and Vaibhav Krishna as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG). These three officers, each with their stellar credentials, are at the helm of Maha Kumbh's management and security efforts.
Vijay Kiran Anand – IAS and Chartered Accountant (CA)
Vijay Kiran Anand, an IAS officer from the 2010 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been entrusted with the responsibility of the District Magistrate (DM) of the Kumbh Nagari. Hailing from Karnataka, Vijay Kiran Anand's academic credentials include a qualification in Chartered Accountancy (CA), which speaks volumes about his meticulousness and analytical mindset.
An IAS officer since 2010, he has held key administrative positions, including that of CDO (Chief Development Officer) and District Magistrate in various districts across Uttar Pradesh. His previous stint as the Kumbh Mela Officer from 2017 to 2019 equipped him with the experience to handle the intricacies of organizing such a massive event. After a brief posting in the Education Department, he was once again given the responsibility of overseeing the Maha Kumbh, where his leadership and decision-making skills are already making a significant impact.
Vaibhav Krishna – IPS and B.Tech from IIT Roorkee
When it comes to law and order at the Maha Kumbh, the task falls squarely on the shoulders of Vaibhav Krishna, a distinguished IPS officer. Born in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, Vaibhav Krishna pursued a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious IIT Roorkee. With a strong technical background, he brings a methodical and efficient approach to handling the complexities of maintaining law and order at such a large-scale event.
Having cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt in 2009, Vaibhav Krishna became an IPS officer in the 2010 batch. His journey has had its share of challenges, including a suspension during his tenure as SSP of Noida in 2020. Despite this setback, he continued to climb the ranks, eventually being appointed as the DIG for Prayagraj Mahakumbh in December 2024. His expertise and leadership are vital to ensuring the safety of millions of devotees who flock to the Kumbh Mela.
Rajesh Dwivedi – IPS and MBA Graduate
The law enforcement aspect of Maha Kumbh is further strengthened by Rajesh Dwivedi, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of ensuring the security of this massive event. Rajesh Dwivedi hails from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, and has an academic background in Business Administration, holding an MBA degree. His diverse academic background coupled with his extensive experience in policing gives him a unique edge in managing both administrative and security challenges.
Dwivedi's career in law enforcement began after he passed the UPPSC PCS exam in 1992 and was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). He was promoted to the IPS in 2013 and, over the years, served in various critical roles, including as SP of Hardoi. His tenure in Prayagraj since June 2024, and subsequent appointment as the SSP of Maha Kumbh, showcases his ability to manage large-scale security operations effectively.
The Maha Kumbh 2025 is not only a religious event but also an organizational masterpiece, requiring the concerted effort of dedicated individuals. With Vijay Kiran Anand's CA expertise, Vaibhav Krishna's engineering precision, and Rajesh Dwivedi's MBA-led managerial acumen, the trio embodies a perfect blend of skills necessary to handle the multifaceted challenges of the Maha Kumbh.
Their leadership ensures that the world’s largest gathering of people is conducted smoothly, with a focus on safety, logistics, and law enforcement. As these officers continue their stewardship of the event, their collective experience, backed by their diverse academic backgrounds, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the success of the Maha Kumbh 2025.
Also Read: Mahakumbh 2025: 10 Crore Devotees Set for Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya
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