It seems like a dream
Says IAS topper Haritha V Kumar
By Our Special Correspondent
Haritha Kumar created history by standing first in India’s elite civil services examination. Thiruvananthapuram –born Kumar became the first person from Kerala to have topped the Union Public Service Commission, UPSC, examination in 22 years. “It was my childhood dream to become an IAS officer,” the 26 years old told.
How did you discover your result?
On Friday morning, I tried logging onto the UPSC Web site, but couldn’t because of poor Internet connectivity. I thought it was a prank.
You are an engineer. Why did you choose to appear for the UPSC exam?
When I was a child, I always dreamed of becoming an IAS officer. I would listen to stories of IAS and IPS officers narrated by my parents, teachers and friends. I knew then that I wanted to pursue (this line). But there was no one to guide me. As the years passed, that childhood dream faded and I went on to pursue engineering. But as they say, your desires and dreams also grow with you.
Who inspired you to pursue a career in the civil services?
My father.
Did you enroll in any coaching classes?
For the first time attempt I did take coaching, but for the succeeding attempts I prepared on my own. I stayed in touch with my teachers and would consult them from time to time and focused on solving more papers.
Why do you want to be an IAS officer?
All of us have two dreams—one is to be successful in whatever career or field we choose, and the other is to become a responsible citizen and play an active role in the affairs of the country. I just tried to connect the two.
This is your fourth attempt. What do you think were the mistakes you made in the first three attempts?
One of the biggest mistakes most of us make – and which I made too – was to spend more time preparing for the preliminary exam instead of the main exam. You must give yourself at least six months to prepare for the main exam.
You didn’t clear your interview round initially. What do you think went wrong?
In my first interview I focused more on using the right language and accent and paid more than what I was saying. It was only later that I realized personal interviews also test you for your ideas and opinions.
Are you an avid reader? Who is your favorite author?
I read more Malayalam books than English. M T Vasudevan Nair and Vaikom Basheer are my favourite authors in Malayalam. I enjoy reading poems by Vailoppilli Sreedharan Menon. The Prophet by Khalil Gibran is also one of my favourite books.
Besides reading, what are your other interests?
I am trained in Carnatic music and Classical dance. I have performed several times in school and college too.
What is your advice to UPSC aspirants?
I suggest they take up one thing at a time and spare ample time for preparation. Also, they should choose subjects that they are comfortable in. For the interview, be part of mock discussion groups and participate in them actively. Practice writing papers. No matter what comes your way, never lose your focus. In case you do not make it the first time, do not lose heart. Give it another try.
Any message for our readers?
Success does not come easily. Failure will confront you at every stage of life, you can’t escape it. Instead, improve your preparation and come back stronger. Look at me! I had to strive for four years to reach where I am today. Also remember that if you are willing to work hard at something, the universe will help you get there. You can achieve your dreams too. Remember that failure is just a stepping stone of success.
Success Tips by IAS Topper
If you are planning to appear in Civil Services Examination, have courage and work hard in right direction without givingheed to negative thoughts. Intelligent hard-work in the right direction is the key to success.
· If a student is meritorious & successful no one can discriminate him or her of an opportunity. Our constitution provides enough rights for every student to achieve excellence.
· Students should constantly analyze their strengths and weakness and work systematically to achieve their cherished goal. Cracking civil services is not tough, even average students from a rural areas can pass it, provided they are willing to work hard and dedicate enough time for preparation
· If a student wants to serve the nation, then public service is the right platform. Nowhere in the world minorities enjoy such freedom as provided in the country.
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