The result of perseverance

The Union Public Service Commission exam results were recently declared. From a topper who made it in the first attempt, to numerous youth from humble backgrounds that found their names on the coveted list, every year, the announcement of the UPSC results exemplifies tales of sheer perseverance and hard work. There are some common themes that have inspired these successful candidates. They have the motivation to change the system inside out by being a part of it. Every year, young blood gets into the nation’s civil services and goes through rigorous administrative training to take up challenges in the government sector. This year, 1078 candidates have been recommended for appointment in various cadres of the civil services. Another 172 candidates are on the waiting list.

Most of the candidates had been preparing for the UPSC exam throughout their undergraduate studies. Tina Dabi, the 22-year-old Delhi girl who topped the list is a recent graduate of Lady Sri Ram College. She says she had set eyes on the civil services since she was studying in higher secondary. On an average, she put about nine hours of rigorous study daily in the months preceding the exam.

There are many who beat such economic and social odds that their making it to the list by itself is a matter of great pride for the nation. Take Ansar Ahmed Shaikh, the 21-year-old son of a rickshaw driver from Maharashtra’s drought-hit Jalna district. He cracked the UPSC exam on the first attempt and is 361st on the national list. When he began looking for accommodation in Pune, he had to change to a Hindu name, Shubham, to get accommodation. In a world where ghettoism and xenophobia is covertly supported even by well-heeled people, Shaikh’s success instils immense hope.

The second person on the UPSC list is 23-year-old Athar Aamir ul-Shafi Khan, an electrical engineering graduate from strife-torn Anantnag district in south Kashmir. This year, nine candidates from Jammu & Kashmir, including three women, have qualified. This number, though small compared to other states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh whose residents usually make it in large numbers to the list, is a matter of pride for the state and a sign of its changing times. Like Athar, it was not the first attempt for Yogesh Kumbhejkar, who now stands at All-India rank 8. A graduate of IIT Mumbai, this is Kumbhejkar’s third attempt as he wasn’t happy with his last ranking. Many other candidates have made the list after several attempts.

It is worth pondering as to why the corruption sets in and yes, it is likely that some of the new entrants to give in to the pressures of bureaucracy, begin relishing the power and do not behave in accordance with the high standards set for them. Take, for example, the photo of 2013 batch IAS officer Jagdish Sonkar that shows him with his foot on the hospital bed as he interacts with patients. The photo went viral this week and received criticism from all quarters, including the IAS Association. Sonkar has since apologized for his inappropriate behaviour on Facebook. Another rather controversial debate arose regarding the protocol of civil service officers came up last year when Bastar DM Amit Kateria met the Prime Minister with his sunglasses on.

In spite of these stray instances, on the whole, it is worth the belief that it is because of these men and women that the country keeps running smoothly. Cracking the UPSC exam is tough, by any standard. The future of our country lies in the hands of these hardworking youth. One hopes that in the years to come, they will bring pertinent changes in the system, innovate and preserve to do the jobs they worked so hard to earn. Somewhere along the line bureaucratic red tape does become an impediment and these starry eyed youth may also feel dejected with the pressures of the system. Political parties come and go, but many officers do not waver from their mission in spite of being abruptly shuttled away to nondescript locations for speaking up or not giving in to changing pressures.

The Better India, a portal which publishes constructive stories, lists IAS officers who have persisted in their goals to serve the nation with commendable results. From whistleblowers who died doing their job, to those who still continue to risk their lives in the call of duty, the nation owes them a lot. Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor to the PM, is a 1968-batch IAS officer who has led anti-insurgency operations in Mizoram, Punjab and Kashmir during his tenure. Armstrong Pane, a young IAS officer from Manipur, has been applauded for his drive and initiative to undertake developmental work in the state. U Sayagam, who has made the news for not bending in, has been transferred 20 times in his tenure of 20 years.

There are many bound to be many more dedicated officers who keep doing great work without making it to the news. These youth can set an example to those who got their 12th board results on Thursday. This year, around 17000 students appeared for the exam. Irrespective of the result, one hopes that these young students keep aiming high and do not get discouraged easily. Long-term planning, a focus on goals and not getting disheartened in spite of failures are some key lessons to learn from successful civil services candidates.

Gauri Gharpure studied journalism at Columbia University, New York, on a Fulbright grant. She makes paper jewellery on the side and tweets @gaurigharpure