Leadership, administration, and music – three keywords that fill the pages of IAS officer Devasish Sharma’s spreadsheet. Currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Morigaon, Assam, Sharma has found a unique way to blend these elements into his daily routine.
For Sharma, leadership isn’t just about formal meetings or decision-making; it’s about connecting with people on a personal level. His love for music, particularly the iconic songs of Bhupen Hazarika and Jayanta Hazarika, brings a personal touch to his role.
In videos shared on social media, you can often see him strumming his guitar and singing, using music as a powerful tool to unite people, break barriers, and encourage empathy. Music isn’t just a hobby for Sharma – it’s a way of life. In fact, he leads a band called Asomiya At Heart, where he and his friends celebrate the spirit of Assam through their shared love of music.
“I have tried to blend governance with melody. Leadership can be both effective and empathetic. Music is a great medium to connect with everyone, fostering awareness, unity, and a deeper understanding of the administration. By blending melody with leadership, I try to enhance both emotional connection and effective administration. I must say that I have received good results,” Sharma shared in an interview with ND24.
He added, “Music breaks barriers by transcending language, culture, and social divisions, creating a universal connection. It fosters empathy, bringing people together despite their differences and helping them understand each other on a deeper level. Through melodies and lyrics, music speaks directly to emotions, building bridges where words often fall short.”
Born in Jorhat, Assam, Sharma is an alumnus of Ramjas College, Delhi University. He has previously served as the Joint Resident Commissioner of Assam Bhawan in Mumbai and as the Commissioner of Guwahati Municipal Corporation. He is also the founder, chairman, and trustee of the Deepsikha Cancer Care Foundation.
Sharma’s parents, Pradeep and Leela, were school teachers in Daporijo, Arunachal Pradesh. His father, a lyricist, wrote several Assamese film songs and also taught music, while his mother was a singer. Sharma grew up in an environment steeped in art and music, despite never receiving formal music training. “I don’t know the grammar of music, but music is all I know,” he says.
Sharma’s journey took him from Daporijo to Don Bosco School in Jorhat, then to Vivekananda Vidyalaya in Digboi, and later to Delhi University, where he completed his graduation in English Literature and post-graduation in PR and Advertising. After clearing the APSC exams, he joined the civil services as a Circle Officer in Sorbhog, Barpeta. Music continued to accompany him throughout his professional career. He was later nominated to the 2011 batch of the IAS.
Sharma highlighted the role of music in raising awareness about government schemes and anti-tobacco initiatives, with which he has been associated for the last two decades through the Deepsikha Foundation. “When music is incorporated, it captivates the crowd and ensures crucial information is communicated effectively, as there is an immediate connection with the target group. My songs and guitar are my weapons, and together, they become a powerful tool for change. One just has to know when and how to use the music, though not every time,” he explained.
Music also serves as a powerful stress buster. “Whether listening to calming tunes or playing an instrument, music alleviates tension and boosts mood. For many, it’s a therapeutic tool that encourages emotional expression and supports mental well-being,” Sharma shared.
On a recent visit to Morigaon Jail, Sharma interacted with prisoners, many of whom are well-educated and possess musical talent. During his visit, he sang the iconic Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, with the prisoners joining in harmoniously. “This act not only uplifted their spirits but also gave them the confidence that, even from prison, they can contribute positively to society,” Sharma said. He also encouraged the jailer to organize a singing competition for the prisoners. The DC believes that jails should focus more on reforming than punishing.
Sharma further emphasized that music is an excellent tool to inspire and motivate schoolchildren and young people. “When the students start singing with you, you know your message has been delivered. Singing is not only an educational process for them but also for me. Being connected with youngsters allows me to understand their thought processes, which helps me reorient myself from time to time and stay prepared for the future,” he said.
Manuhe Manuhor Babe, a song by Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, is Sharma’s go-to song. “It’s a common man’s song. The sheer magic of Hazarika’s songs – how they soothe, excite, motivate, or simply entertain – remains timeless. Had we been able to project his music to the world, perhaps he would have received the Nobel Prize, just like Bob Dylan,” he said.
Coming back to the topic of administration, Sharma stated that Tata’s Rs 27,000 crore semiconductor plant is going to “change the future of Morigaon.” The plant will produce 48 million chips daily using advanced packaging technologies like flip chip and ISIP, with an expected completion by mid-2025.
Beyond the technological advancements, the plant is set to create 15,000 direct and over 12,000 indirect jobs. “Morigaon is all set to experience growth on the lines of Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru. The semiconductor plant will bring innovation, foster economic resilience, and position the district as a key player in the country’s digital economy,” Sharma said. With AIDC acquiring more than 1,200 bighas of land near Jagiroad to develop an industrial park and another 1,000 bighas by GMDA for a massive township, he believes Morigaon will become the financial capital of the entire Northeast in the days to come.
When not strumming chords or managing law and order in Morigaon, Sharma enjoys long bike rides, finding solace on the open roads. Through these rides, the sarkari babu enjoys getting lost in the journey, only to discover more about himself along the way, embracing the serenity and clarity that come with each mile.
