When Public Service Goes Beyond the Call of Duty: Our Experience obtaining Silk Mark with Mr. PC Johny

Some people do more than perform their duties. They remind us of what dedication, initiative and genuine public service can look like.

Every business has people who help it grow. Some are customers, some are mentors, and some are professionals who leave a lasting impression through the way they do their work. For Anitha Creations, one such person is Mr. PC Johny , Senior Technical Assistant of the Silk Board of India.

Our experience with him while obtaining Silk Mark registration for Anitha Creations was much more than an administrative process. It was a lesson in dedication, professional commitment and the importance of understanding the purpose behind one's work.

I wanted to learn more about Silk Mark, its significance and the procedure for obtaining it for our business. As we were building our brand around authentic textiles, I felt it was important to understand how we could offer our customers greater confidence when purchasing silk.

My husband decided to visit the Silk Board office to make enquiries. By the time he reached, it was around six in the evening. Expecting the office to be closed, he was prepared to ask the security staff about the appropriate time to return the following day.

To his surprise, Mr. Johny was still there.

Instead of asking him to return during office hours, Mr. Johny welcomed him in and patiently explained the entire procedure. He took the time to answer his questions and, more importantly, conveyed a positive message: obtaining Silk Mark registration for our business was possible.

That first interaction could have ended with a few instructions and a list of documents. Instead, it became the beginning of a remarkably helpful experience.

More than a registration procedure

Mr. Johny invited us to visit his office the following day for a more detailed discussion. My husband and I went together, and what followed was an experience we did not expect from what we had initially thought would be a routine official visit.

He showed us the facilities, including the silk farm and the mulberry trees being cultivated there. He then spent considerable time explaining the importance of silk and how to identify and assess silk.

For us, these were valuable insights. We were not merely learning how to complete an application. We were gaining a better understanding of the product we intended to offer our customers and the wider ecosystem behind it.

He helped us appreciate that silk is not simply a fabric sold in a shop. It represents the work of farmers, silkworm rearers, reelers, weavers and many others whose livelihoods depend on this industry.

That understanding also helped us appreciate the importance of the Silk Mark. It is a government-devised mechanism designed to protect customers from false claims by certifying purity and authenticity—functioning much like a hallmark for gold—to help consumers identify genuine silk and make informed purchasing decisions.

When customers can make more informed choices and genuine silk receives the recognition it deserves, the benefits can extend beyond the retailer to the wider silk value chain.

A commitment that went beyond the office

At that time, our store was still being prepared for its inauguration. Mr. Johny asked us to get in touch once the store was ready so that we could complete the registration process.

As the inauguration approached, we were caught up in the many arrangements required to open the store. When I contacted him about the remaining formalities, I explained that we might not be able to visit his office until the following week.

His response surprised us once again.

He felt that we should be able to open our store with the Silk Mark registration already in place. Rather than making us postpone the process because of our schedule, he offered to come to our shop himself.

And he did exactly that.

He visited our store, helped us complete the necessary paperwork and collected the required signatures. We made the prescribed online payment, and our registration was confirmed that very evening.

The following day, Mr. Amal, another staff member from Silk Mark returned with the certificate and the associated materials.

Mr. PC Johny and Mr. Amal  was also kind enough to attend our store inauguration. In front of our guests, he presented us with the Silk Mark certification, making the occasion even more special for us.

But his involvement did not end there.

He subsequently visited our shop to train us and our staff on identifying silk, understanding the significance of Silk Mark and explaining its importance to customers.

Looking back, what stands out is not just the speed with which the registration was completed. It is the continuity of his involvement—from the first enquiry and the detailed explanation to the registration, inauguration and staff training.

He seemed genuinely interested in ensuring that we understood what we were doing and why it mattered.

Understanding the purpose behind the work

What impressed me most about Mr. Johny was his understanding of the larger purpose of his job.

It would have been possible to explain the procedure, direct us to the relevant forms and leave us to complete the formalities ourselves. That might have fulfilled the immediate administrative requirement.

Instead, he took an active interest in helping us understand the process, complete it correctly and appreciate the significance of what we were doing.

His approach made us think about the people for whom the institution exists and the purpose it serves.

For a small business, navigating official procedures can sometimes feel daunting. A professional who is willing to explain, guide and encourage can make an enormous difference. In our case, his approach helped us move forward with greater confidence and a better understanding of silk authenticity.

I later learned that Mr. Johny had received a national award in recognition of his contribution to the Silk Board. Knowing this made me appreciate his commitment even more. His conduct, however, had already demonstrated to us the values that such recognition seeks to acknowledge.

A lesson for all of us

I share this experience not merely to thank one individual, but because I believe there is something valuable here for all of us to learn.

Whatever our profession or position, we have a responsibility to understand why our work matters. Completing a task is important, but helping people understand a process, removing avoidable difficulties and taking genuine ownership of an outcome can make our work far more meaningful.

This is especially relevant in public service. Government institutions exist to serve citizens, support legitimate enterprise and implement systems that benefit society. When an officer combines professional knowledge with patience, initiative and a positive attitude, the institution becomes more approachable and its purpose more visible.

Imagine the difference it could make if more professionals brought even a fraction of the initiative and personal commitment that we experienced from Mr. Johny into their daily work. It would not require everyone to do extraordinary things every day. Often, it would mean simply being willing to guide someone, explain something patiently or find a practical way forward within the rules.

That, in itself, could make a meaningful difference to the experience of citizens and businesses across our country.

We are grateful to Mr. Johny for his guidance, his encouragement and the time he devoted to helping us. His contribution to our Silk Mark registration will always remain a memorable part of the Anitha Creations journey.