IAS officer Tina Dabi, one of India’s most popular civil servants, is trending once again. This time, it is not for a new posting or administrative reform, but for a viral video from the 77th Republic Day celebrations in Barmer, Rajasthan.
The video, which has sparked a massive debate on social media, shows a fleeting moment of confusion during the flag-hoisting ceremony. While some internet users have trolled the 2015 UPSC topper, others have come out in her support, calling it a harmless human error.
Here is the full story of what happened, how Tina Dabi responded, and the reality behind the viral clip.
What Happened in the Viral Video?
On January 26, 2026, Tina Dabi, currently serving as the District Collector of Barmer, led the official Republic Day celebrations at the district collectorate.
According to the viral footage, after unfurling the Tricolour, she stood to salute the National Flag. However, for a split second, she appeared confused about which direction to face. She momentarily turned towards the staff standing on her side instead of the flag.
Noticing the confusion, a nearby security officer discreetly signaled her towards the correct direction. Dabi immediately corrected her stance and completed the salute with full protocol. The entire incident lasted less than three seconds, but it was enough for social media channels to turn it into a trending topic.
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Tina Dabi Responds: “A Moment of Confusion”
As the video gained millions of views on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, the Barmer Collector issued a clarification to put the rumors to rest.
Speaking to the media, Tina Dabi explained that the layout of the venue caused a momentary lapse in judgment. She stated that staff members were standing on both sides of the podium, which led to a split-second confusion on where to turn.
“It was a brief moment of confusion and not a major mistake,” she reportedly said, adding that the event proceeded smoothly with full discipline and patriotic fervor immediately after the correction.
Social Media Divided: Trolls vs. Supporters
The internet reaction has been sharply divided, highlighting the constant scrutiny faced by high-profile officers.
- The Criticism: Critics questioned how a senior IAS officer could make a “protocol error” on such a significant day. Some comments were harsh, labeling the incident as “carelessness.”
- The Support: On the other hand, a large wave of support has poured in. Many users pointed out that IAS officers are humans, not robots. Supporters argued that “to err is human” and praised her for the quick correction without losing composure. They also noted that the intense camera scrutiny on her makes even minor slips look like major blunders.
Current Posting & Family Updates
This incident comes at a time when Tina Dabi is actively managing the border district of Barmer.
- Current Role: She took charge as the District Collector of Barmer in late 2024 after returning from maternity leave.
- Husband’s Posting: Her husband, IAS Pradeep Gawande, is currently serving as the District Collector of the neighboring district, Jalore. The couple was transferred to these adjacent districts to ensure family proximity while serving the state.
- Recent Work: In Barmer, Dabi has been focusing on the “Navo Barmer” (New Barmer) campaign, aiming to improve cleanliness and civic facilities in the desert district.
Why Does Tina Dabi Trend So Often?
Tina Dabi is arguably the most followed IAS officer in India. She shot to fame after becoming the first Dalit woman to top the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2015. Since then, her personal life—including her previous marriage to Athar Aamir Khan and her current marriage to Pradeep Gawande—has been a subject of intense public interest.
This latest viral video proves that her popularity remains high, with every move closely watched by millions of aspirants and citizens alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Tina Dabi trending in January 2026?
She is trending due to a viral video from Republic Day 2026 where she momentarily faced the wrong direction while saluting the flag in Barmer.
2. Where is IAS Tina Dabi posted right now?
As of January 2026, Tina Dabi is serving as the District Collector of Barmer, Rajasthan.
3. What did Tina Dabi say about the viral video?
She clarified that it was a “momentary lapse” caused by confusion due to staff standing on both sides, and she corrected it immediately.
4. Who is Tina Dabi’s husband?
Her husband is IAS Pradeep Gawande, who is currently the District Collector of Jalore, Rajasthan.
5. Did she violate the flag code?
No, there was no violation of the Flag Code. It was a momentary directional confusion that was instantly corrected.