Sujatha, ‘Swades’ and success

For N.S.K. Umesh, a resident of Kamarajar Salai, the phones haven’t stopped ringing since Saturday, ever since results of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations were declared. The 26-year-old engineering graduate successfully cleared the exams by securing All India 77{+t}{+h}rank.

“I always wanted to write the civil services examinations and during my final year of college in 2011, I took a conscious decision not to sit for placements and instead begin preparations for the UPSC exams. I attempted the exams twice and finally cleared it this year,” said Mr. Umesh, who studied engineering at PSG College, Coimbatore.

Stating that his love for reading was one of the main reasons why he was inspired to become an IAS officer, Mr. Umesh said that many writers inspired him. “Writer Sujatha mentioned in one of his columns that the future of the country was in the hands of young IAS officers. Ramachandra Guha, in his book ‘India after Gandhi,’ too talks about how IAS officers helped in building the nation. Instead of merely criticising the system, I wanted to be a part of it and work towards change,” he said.

When asked about his preparations for the UPSC exams, Mr. Umesh said that more than the coaching classes, he prepared on his own. “My optional subject was political science which was something I was extremely interested in,” he said.

Attributing his success to the support of his parents, N.K.S Kesavan, retired senior manager from Indian Bank, and R.B. Banumathy, a clerk at the Syndicate Bank, he said that support of people was extremely important for aspirants.

He also urged aspirants not to lose hope. Recalling an inspirational song ‘Yeh jo desh hai tera’ from the movie ‘Swades’ composed by A.R. Rahman, Mr. Umesh said that the song kept inspiring him and motivated him towards his goal.

“I was able to clear the exams only after two attempts and even during the third attempt, I wasn’t very confident. Ensure that you don’t give up hope and prepare well,” he said.

Madurai youth, who has secured a UPSC rank, recounts the early days