Chidanand Sadashiv Vatare, who hails from a family of farmers in socially and economically backward Aigali village in Athani taluk of Belgaum district, has topped the Gazetted Probationers Examination–2010 for Group ‘A' and Group ‘B' posts conducted by the Karnataka State Public Service Commission.
He has topped the list of 30 candidates who have been qualified for the post of Assistant Commissioner in Group ‘A'.
Mr. Vatare, who passed BE (Electronics and Communication) with distinction from NITK, Surathkal, and secured sixth rank in II PU, secured 1,242 marks (Mains 1,092 and interview 150) to secure first rank in the KPSC exam with Geography and Psychology as optional subjects.
Presently working as Deputy Superintendent of Excise, Mr. Vatare always wanted to be in the State administrative service in general and the Revenue Department in particular.
Being a KAS officer to him means a challenging opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people. He had no specific role model, but drew inspiration from all great personalities in various fields, Mr. Vatare says while dedicating his success to his late father, Sadashiv B. Vatare, mother, family members and his close friends.
His hard work for over four years helped him sail through this competitive examination, he says. “I was undergoing police training at the Karnataka Police Academy, Mysore, when I wrote the KAS Mains. I read newspapers such as The Hindu, periodicals such as Frontline and books on Constitution by Lakshmikanth, geography of India by Khullar, besides NCERT books, which helped me a lot.”
His advice to those struggling to pass KPSC exams: a good mix of intelligence and hard work will yield the desired results. It is better to prepare for this exam while pursuing graduation as it saves valuable time and keeps one focussed. Tuition may help to get orientated towards the goal, but it is not sufficient. Individual's effort and intelligent hard work matter the most. A good family background is always beneficial, he says.
“However, even without a good family background, many candidates like me have achieved success. Luck always favours the one who works hard,” Mr. Vatare says.
On the interview round, he says: KPSC interview board had a lot of expectations from me as I had scored the highest marks in the Mains. The questions posed to me were related to ISRO programmes and their usefulness for farmers, constitutional aspects — directive principles of State policy, prohibition of liquor, excise policy, revenue from the Excise Department, India's foreign policy, relations with Pakistan and China, and on Economics.
He now looks forward to providing a corruption-free and transparent administration, no matter where he is posted.
Another achiever
Another achiever from the district is Savita Hugar of Sangameshwar Colony on Bauxite Road in Belgaum city. She has been selected for the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Police Department.
Sources said that of the 390 candidates who passed the KPSC exam and got selected (final list) for various posts, including 268 gazetted posts, nearly 35 are from Belgaum district alone.
A majority of the successful candidates are from rural areas of the district.
