Foundation Course at LBSNAA - A Brief Account.. Of course detailed ones follow soon..

Hi friends,
It has really been long since I posted anything on this blog, and my apologies. Understandably it was because of the jam-packed schedules which we had during our foundation course training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy Administration (hereafter referred to as LBSNAA or labasnaa). It was a fun-filled experience of 100 days that gave me inspiring role-models, friends to cherish for lifetime and unforgettable memories.
Briefly, as the blog title says, the FC had the following features in store for us-
morning PT-
classroom lectures-
officer's mess-
officer trainee's lounge-
hostel cafeteria-
cultural evenings-
clubs & societies-
mountain trekking-
village visit-
atheletic meet-
india day-
social services fete-
crosscountry race-
blood donation camp-
hands on project experience-
extra curricular activities-
language learning sessions-
counselors-
gymnasium-
sports complex-
library-
and the list temporarily stops here.. Will elaborate on them soon.. Happy blogging..

Madrasapattanam to Mussoriepattanam - The transition anticipated

I guess, out there in LBSNAA, I might have a tough time adapting to the climate shift, but easier to adapt to the cultural drift, given my priorities. I am expecting a strict institution that nurtures the creamy layer of civil servants to be the best in the nation, in terms of duty,discipline and decorum. I am a bit nervous too, for I need to interact with most of the people in English or Hindi. I cross my fingers now and wait to experience the transition fully and will follow this up with the transition encountered.. This is probably my last post from Madras before training commences..

Madrasukku bye bye, Mussoriekku hai hai !!

இன்னா தம்ம இவ்வுலகம்

ஓரில் நெய்தல் கறங்க , ஓரில்
ஈர்ந்தன் முழவின் பாணி ததும்பப்
புணர்ந்தோர் பூவணி அணியப், பிரிந்தோர்
பைதல் உண்கண் பனிவார்பு உறைப்பப்
படைத்தோன் மன்ற அப்பண்பிலாளன்
இன்னா தம்ம இவ்வுலகம்
இனிய காண்க இதன் இயல்புணர்ந்தோரே !!

"TRACE"-ing Our Future (Day -2)

We also got an opportunity to go LIVE on All India Radio (Trichy) FM Rainbow on the second day, where we interacted with RJ Bharathi and few callers from in and around Trichy. There were a few sodappal spots and comic sessions too, thanks to those callers and RJ! We went on to survey the Ramnad Combined Water Supply Scheme (CWSS) (Maaperum Koottu Kudineer Thittam, in Tamil). A TWAD Engineer was there with us to describe the project, that was devised to supply drinking water drawn from banks of Kaveri, to three districts that were water-scarce. There are no beneficiaries in Trichirappalli for this scheme.

We walked a stretch of ~1340m to and fro, observed the giant pipes that carried water from the supply site to the storage site, also enjoyed the phenomenon of passing clouds drifted by the breeze (and made popular by the Tamil flick Aayirathil Oruvan). The engineer impressed upon us about the rapidity with which the project was completed well before time.

We then rode along the road to Karur and visited an NGO at Allur village. It is called SEVAI (Society for Education Village Action and Improvement), founded by Mr. Govindaraju in 1975. The beneficiaries include women, children, differently abled persons and prison inmates to name a few. They teach economic activities, healthy lifestyle, support SHGs by helping them obtain loans and rehabilitate FSW,WIP,MSM and IDUs. A mock interaction with the SHG members who were part of HLF(Habitation Level Federations) and PLF(Panchayat Level Federations) was a never-before-experience and a peek into our future face-to-face with the public. The women were united in their sense of pride about Trichy being the best in India, their SHG activities, their children, their husband and family support to actively participate in SH groups and about SEVAI as a whole. Yet when it came to discussing about Government they had different ideas, few supporting and many complaining. The areas of their major concern were education, employment, inflation, rainfall and real estates encroaching into agricultural lands.

This was followed by a (paasathil thoindha) lunch and when we left the place, we needed no efforts to fall sleep, but Mukkombu saw to it that we didn't go to slumber. It's a lovely place to spend a cloudy, quiet evening (unless you are deaf to monkey chatter!) We skipped the stage of getting our feet wet, but did not miss out on icecreams (hey, that's no childish thing, we just helped out a cottage industry!)

Then we went en route Musiri, Thottiyam blocks to reach Thaathaiyengarpettai (Tha.pettai in Tamil and T-Pet in English) block, Aaraichi Panchayat where a few weeks before, Periyar Samathuvapuram had been inaugurated. It provided 100 dwelling units in an approx. area of 13 acres. Each house was provided with separate setups for RWH, Biogas compost pits and closed toilets. The beneficiaries were identified after several stages of scrutiny by the Village President, BDO, VAO, RI and Tehsildar; they had to include 40% reserved category, in order to really live up to the term 'samathuva'puram. Village President Mrs. Vijaya, a graduate, has been elected again for the second term from Aaraichi, this time from a non-woman-reservation-panchayat. She being an independent candidate, is an example of women empowerment with no political background.

We saw and heard about many unique facts and stories about peoples and places.
* 95% of Maternal deaths are preventable.
* Thiruverumbur and Thirueengoimalai are sites named after ant and bee respectively, the insect forms that worshipped Lord Siva.
* Gunaseelam was treating lunacy at its Prasanna Venkatachalapathy (Vishnu) Temple till before 2 years.
* Amateur tailors are given 5.50 per nighty stitched. It is 6.50 for designed nighties. Each one earns upto 25 per day, we were informed.
* Rent details of the costliest hotels and chatrams in Trichy
* Oyamari, the place where corpses were burnt 24 X 7, till before it was recently converted into an electric crematorium to control pollution and bad smell in the surroundings.
* Pachamalai holds a monthly sandhai to sell its rare herbal products (mooligai) that are raw materials for Siddha and other natural medicines; siddhars are speculated to live in this area.
* The people of these hills are believed to be early settlers from ancient Cheranadu (present Kerala).

'TRACE - Exposure visit' and discussions with JD-EO Mr. Suresh Kumar helped me to understand how creativity and novelty can be infused into the regular governmental setup; how barefoot scientists can help in 'sustainable development'.

"TRACE"-ing Our Future (Day-1)

Trichy Academy for Competitive Examinations (TRACE) gave me a chance of exploring the real time scenario encountered in the life of a civil servant before actual training. Along with 8 colleagues, we witnessed the actual implementation of various state and central schemes in different panchayats of Trichy district. With every area we covered, I could see how Tamilnadu easily qualifies as one of the leading states in Tamilnadu.

We started off by listening to a general overview of our plan of visit by the Project Director Mr.R. Venkatachalam and the District Collector (I/C) of Trichy, Mr.Raman. Mr.Murugannan, Block Development Officer accompanied us throughout the tour and briefed the salient features of each of the schemes. TRACE team acted as our tourist guides and revealed interesting snippets for us to ponder upon.

We visited the NIC/ELCOT training centre to know about the diverse applications of computers in administration (e-Governance) like
* land record maintenance
* Online Grievance Redressal
* PDS management
* Old age pension disbursement
* Payroll system
* transport & passport office
ELCOT's product TNSWAN has thus spread its wings in all arenas of governance. Interestingly, NIC is the agency that plans to give unique email addresses to every government servant.

Then we travelled to Navalpattu panchayat (Thiruverumbur taluk) to visualise the functioning of the MGNREGS. Enroute to the destination, we caught a glimpse of the NABARD sponsored approach-road laying scheme and Navalpattu Primary Health Centre (PHC). The PHC was a small area but well-maintained and did not have any undesirable stench which I have so far associated with the thought of GHs. They regularly update details regarding diseases treated on HMIS (Health Management Information System) website.

The Thamaraikulam Supply channel desiltation work was done as part of MGNREGS in Navalpattu panchayat. We were elaborated on job cards, unique family numbers, settlement of wages, attendance, division of labour, etc. We were also informed that in the adjacent Manigandam taluk, the implementation of wage settlement has been made transparent by operating individual labourer's account in banks.

We then watched the activities carried out by the RD & PR department, under the state scheme - AGAMT (Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam). The compulsory works we witnessed were Oorani/Pond Construction, Library, Community Sports centre, and Cremation/Burial ground. Manjathidal pond in Ellaikudi panchayat was a sad remnant of the 4 year old pond construction work, still hailed as equivalent to Chicago by RD website, thus impacting on our minds the necessity of maintenance of excellently carried out schemes. Ellaikudi has also been awarded the NGP under the Total sanitation campaign (TSC). We saw the pond of Pappakurichi under construction and the Library of Ellaikudi. Its honorary librarian was a responsible lady- a retired school teacher.

The day ended with an interaction of our team with TRACE aspirants followed by a brief felicitation and dinner with the Dt. Collector (I/C), City Police Commissioner, Corporation Commissioner, literatteurs, orators and chief patrons instrumental in the establishment of TRACE, parents and aspirants.

Felicitation at Pune

A heart-warming experience at the cool city of Pune !

People met, ideas exchanged, cultures identified, lighter moments shared,.. Maharashtra Institute of Technology-School of Government (MIT-SOG) gave us a great opportunity to meet our future peers and initiate the formation of workplace networks. Like minded people working together takes the nation to greater heights. I wish we all strive for the betterment of the society in every way possible.
Yes, we all know that this is just the beginning. We shall accept all these honours humbly and work for "Better India" in all spheres.

Acknowledging our feat of clearing the civil services exam as the most difficult achievement, rewarding citations from the hands of eminent Nuclear scientist Padma awardee Anil Kakodkar, congratulating us for selecting Bureaucracy as a career option after completing degrees in varied disciplines and Stressing the important role of bureaucrats as the sole source of stability amongst the nation's changing governments (and their policies),.. we are now a fully motivated lot with eyes on nothing but SERVICE.

Thanks to MIT-SOG team!

Success in the First go.. Video in English

Succeeding in the First go... Video in Tamil

Filling Up Mains Application Part 2

The most important area in the application form is the one where you show to the interview panel your previous achievements. This reveals to them to an extent, how much you suit to the job applied for.

There are 4 sub-headings:
1] Particulars of prizes, medals, scholarships, etc.
2] Team/Games/Sports/N.C.C.
3] Positions of Distinction/Leadership held in School/College
4] Other extracurricular activities and interests (Hobbies, etc.)

* Never do the Himalayan mistake of leaving all columns blank because you do not have any.

* Write the detail for which you have certificates to support. Not needed for demonstrable skills (like oratory, singing, dancing, pencil sketching, mimicry, etc.)

* Do not overlap the same achievement in more than one column. Also do not re-word a single achievement in an attempt to seem more meritorious. Example- Writing NCC 'C' Certificate for [2] and writing Rank of Sergeant in NCC for [3]

* Arrange them in order either latest-first or chronologically (I personally, prefer the former)

* Prizes won in Academics can be written in [1] and those won for sports can be given in [2] though it may be prize, it comes under sports. If you have no medals, etc. for Academics, rewards for sports can be mentioned in [1] itself and for [2], just mention the name of the event.

* For [3], avoid repeating NCC rank if you have mentioned it in [2], because a NCC member is inevitably expected to show fine leadership qualities. You can mention School first or college second in academics/sports, etc., all-rounder awards, any posts in college like Sports/cultural secretary, etc.

* People with no notable achievements to write in [3] can think back whether they held any class monitor/representative posts in school/college. If other columns are full enough, leaving [3] blank will not have a great effect.

* [4] is where questions may probably nailed upon, especially for the first few minutes of the interview. Include any computer courses, diploma courses (not mentioned in details of education), other languages learnt, craftworks, skills. Be true about hobbies - PLEASE DO NOT WRITE 'READING BOOKS' UNLESS YOU REALLY DO IT. This is the commonest hobby I have come across, others being listening to music, watching TV/cricket/match. Serious candidates, please do not give silly hobbies like chatting with friends, discussing politics, sleeping, etc.

* Female candidates think twice before writing 'COOKING' as a hobby. Men can manage with it however, given our societal conditions. 'EXERCISING, DOING YOGA' and 'BODY BUILDING' are not hobbies. They are part of your daily activities. Nature lovers who write 'BIRD WATCHING, STAR GAZING, ADMIRING NATURE, STARING AT SCENARIES' must be well versed in what they see.

* Those who write ASTROLOGY, NUMEROLOGY, etc. may get difficult questions if you are not really well-versed with those areas. For those who write 'WRITING ESSAYS, POEMS, HAIKUS' expect a mock topic on which you have to express your ideas.

* Finally, NOT ONLY FOR THIS COLUMN, BUT THROUGHOUT YOUR APPLICATION, BE CAREFUL ABOUT YOUR SPELLINGS. If wrong, they really really damage your image even before you enter the interview hall.

DOUBTS WELCOME!

Filling Up your Mains Application

Success in Interview depends on how mindfully you fill the Mains application form, as it determines the usual areas where you will be asked questions. This blog is just to give an insight on that.

Be a good planner. Take one or more photocopies of the original application and fill up the duplicate first. In that case you will not end up with a shabby and unplanned application form. You are NOT asked to sign on the photograph, so don't do that.

Community:
OBC candidates, please verify whether you fall into the Creamy layer category or not. Obtain OBC certificates accordingly. For guidance on Creamy layer, visit the website of National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). Parents' IT returns (if being filed), are to be attached (only photocopies - no originals). Make sure your OBC certificates are as in the format requested by UPSC, else we need to get them again and again till UPSC agreeds with it. [Personal experience says- Tehsildars do not agree to formats prescribed by any institution but only furnish them in their own formats set in place many years ago; new G.O.s will not be mentioned on the certificate which they give]

Be choosy about the Indian Language (Compulsory) paper:
Your knowledge in that subject determines whether all your answer sheets would be evaluated or not in the first place. Choose a language in which you will be able to write essays, identify sentence-grammar-spelling-errors, be able to say meanings, opposites and identify proverb-like phrases and clauses. There is also a segment with comprehension passage and precis writing exercises.

Another area of caution is the Language Medium for Interview:
People who write Main exams in Indian language medium, can opt for Interview in English, but the reverse is not allowed, i.e.,writing in English medium and conversing in Indian Language, say Hindi.

Details of Education:
There are 10 rows in which you can fill up details regarding your schooling from first standard to latest degree. If in case you have studied in 11 or more institutions, organise your data and fit them into given space only.

Details of Exams passed:
6 rows are given. Those with more than 4 degrees in college please squeeze your data in the given space but do not skip out anything. These are areas where questions come from. (Important- The interview panel knows only your subjects; not marks percentage/grade/class/board)

Annual Income of parents:
Give the figure for which you have proof by way of IT returns (in the latest assessment year), or income certificate.

Home state:
Based upon the places where you studied, where your parents originally belong, your place of birth and mothertongue, you are asked to claim a state as your home state.

State Cadre Preference & Post Preference:
It's all your choice, but be careful while selecting them as you cannot change them in any further stage of selection. Once entered, it is final. In case you don't wish to go for a certain service, say Corporate law service, do not leave the column blank, but fill it '00'.

Details of Employment:
5 rows given. If you have worked in more than 5 establishments/designations, give the latest 5.

Hobby:
Take a look at the separate blog on this topic. Take the maximum care of all to fill this up.

Enclosures:
Copies of Matriculation, Degree certificates, Self addressed envelopes,
acknowledgement card are common to all. Others add accordingly Community certificate, IT returns, medical certificates, etc.

GS PREPARATION

Dear all,

The GS Preparation has many sections incorporated:

HISTORY- More attention to be given to Modern India, after Plassey and Buxar. Indian National Movement is very important. Spectrum Modern India is what I suggest freshers and Non-History-Optional-Students. Medieval India- learn the dynasty members (tughlaq, khalji,slave, lodi,etc.) learn in detail about razia sultana. Cover in depth Jainism and Buddhism for Ancient India. Remember Indus civilization locations in the map and whether they lie in India or Pakistan. Vedic age and Post-vedic age are exact opposites in many aspects like women freedom, caste system, etc. hence use logic to attend such questions.

WIZARD History Special for GS Issue is a concise ready reckoner. Do not miss that out.

GEOGRAPHY- Spend time with Atlas to get an idea about the location of countries in news (current affairs, presidential elections, terror attacks, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, sports championships, prominent citizens recently passed away, ethnic/social/inflationary crisis countries). Try to have an idea about the countries nearby, its approximate location, islands, strait, bay, gulfs, seas and oceans nearby. Concentrate on territorial dispute areas- sir creek, kuril islands, aksai chin, etc.

NCERT books are for Indian geography and geomorphology. Have no doubts about regions of plateaus and plains, deserts and forests in India. Keenly note areas of dense forests, heavy rainfall, high population and pop.density, urbanisation areas, climatic zones and areas in biodiversity threat. National parks, their locations, famous species in it all these are favorite areas for question-paper-setters.

ALWAYS HAVE THE IDEA OF ASSOCIATING CURRENT AFFAIRS TO HISTORY,GEOG,POLITY & ECONOMY.

CHECK IF ANYTHING PROMINENT HAD HAPPENED 5,10,20,25,40,50,75,80,90,100, ETC. YEARS AGO. FOR EXAMPLE 2010 COMPLETES 60 YEARS OF INDIAN REPUBLIC. 2011 CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF BIRTH OF BANGLADESH., AND SO ON

POLITY - I fully referred Indian Polity in Laxmikanth's Indian Polity and solved MCQs from Pratiyogita Darpan's Special Edition on Indian Polity. The latter had a complete coverage of all areas from which questions could be asked. Be thorough with the step-by-step manner in which power transfer was done to Indians from British hands- decentralisation, constituent assembly formation, the various GoI acts before that. Relate Historical events in UK that lead to 1947 independence of India.

Prepare notes on each part of the constitution, keep them handy. Be thorough about the various sub-clauses of fundamental rights, functions of president, governor, Lok and Rajya Sabha; Be clear in the various types of bills, funds, and budgetary terms. Give importance to lok ayuktas and ombudsmen type of establishments, panchayati raj, election commission.

ECONOMY - Refer my other blog on economy. However, keep in mind that current facts like 625384826.23 rupees was allocated to so-and-so scheme is unnecessary. Have comparative ideas about which sector got more importance than which other sector & whether it is different from last year's outlay. Share market related terms, RBI and World bank related issues are important. Questions from Finance commission, NDC and planning commissions are inevitable.

GMA - Refer my other blog on GMA and statistics. Do not neglect this section. This fetches you sure-on-the-spot-marks.


ALL THE BEST

Eating the Elephant

The part which freshers to civil service preparation find difficult is CURRENT AFFAIRS (C/A). Like myself, these freshers did not watch news till then with an orientation needed for CS Exams. The GS papers of Prelims, Mains and most of the Interview have a lot to deal with C/A.

For first attempters, managing C/A can be like eating an elephant. Yes, we cannot avoid this huge mammal and have to eat our way through it. Wise old saying keeps telling us -

"EAT AN ELEPHANT ONE BITE AT A TIME"

This is precisely the technique you need to follow in handling C/A. First, do a SWOT analysis and identify the areas where you are strong and relatively weaker. Strengthen further your strongholds. Eliminate all doubts regarding the weaker ones. A balance between both is what you need.

Select each section of C/A - Regional, National, International, Sports, Cinema, Books/authors, Awards/prizes, Institutions, Agreements/pacts, Ethnic/religious/social/economic crises, etc. & study them individually. (One piece at a time)

Yet, remember the whole thing constituted the single elephant of Current Affairs. So be open-minded enough to correlate facts and opinions amongst the sections.

Like how Rome wasn't built in a single day, Success too doesn't come all of a sudden. It is the fruit of a long-endured onerous journey.

A bee recognises its success in finding honey with a characteristic "8-shaped" dance. Only that bee knows how long it travelled to reach a magnificient flower.

A spider succeeds every time a prey falls into its web. Only that spider knows how many times it slipped and slid while building that artistic web.

A rock wins when it becomes a statue. Who else other than the rock knows how many hits it received from a chisel?

Even mud succeeds the minute it turns into a brick. Only it knows how much heat it endured.

These bees, spiders, rocks and mud do not think of their success when at duty. They are rewarded for their hardwork. They do not always celebrate success, but definitely do not mourn during failure. This is what separated them from humans.

Think to win!!

My Final Marks

I like to share my final civil service marks with you.

Total - 1244 out of 2300

GS = 322 [151+171]
Tamil Literature = 292 [156+136]
Botany = 284 [133+151]
Essay = 130
Interview = 216

Rank - 36

Economics for Civil Services

Usually people from arts and science background find this part difficult. But it is not so if we understand the concepts and have strong basics. If you find facts (Budget allocations, percentages, years) too hard to memorize, don't do that. Only less than 5% of questions from economics are factual.

Sources of material-
-Economics part in TataMcGrawHill GS manual
-Pratiyogita Darpan Indian Economy
-NCERT Indian Economic development Class-XI

Areas to concentrate-
(The list is not exhaustive)
*Five year plans-history, targets, success, outlays, motto of plan
*Latest Budget- salient features, income tax slabs, new tax levies, estimates
*LPG- our economy till 1991 and the shift thereafter
*Brettonwoods institutions- IBRD, IMF, IDA, etc.
*UNO- its associated organisations like UNICEF, ILO, UNESCAP, UNESCO.. and their chiefs.
*Poverty, Unemployment, Overpopulation, Migration, Urbanisation, Low agricultural productivity- reasons, problems, solutions
*Agriculture- net sown area, major crops, latest production capacity, schemes for the welfare of farmers, unorganised sector, crop insurance, Green revolution
*Industry- cotton mills, iron and steel,automobiles, software, SEZ, government's industrial policy
*Banks- RBI & its functions, CRR, SLR, Repo, reverse Repo, Inflation, Great economic depression, Recent financial crisis, nationalisation of banks, NBFCs, Seed banks, RRBs, Monetary policy, NABARD
*Rural Development- Bharat Nirman, NREGA, SGSRY, SGSY, indira awas yojana, NRHM, TRYSEM, food for work, antyodaya anna yojana, PDS, SSA, PM's gram sadak yojana etc.
*Tax reforms
*energy sector, non-conventional electricity
*balance of trade, BoP
*tourism, telecommunications
*WTO- patents, subsidies, developed vs. developing
*trade blocs, G-7, G-15, G-20, G-77, Free trade agreements, Preferential trade agreements, CECA, CEPA of India
*Population statistics- Latest is 2001. Aspirants for IAS 2012 and later, please wait for the 2011 census operations' result.
*National Income- calculation methods

More on statistics

Please carry with you relevant stationery- sharp pencils, ruler, eraser, compass, protractor, simple calculator (not digital with storage)

The main kinds of questions asked:
-Based on frequency distribution, graphs, pie charts
-Mean, median, mode
-Averaging speeds of vehicles
-Profit & loss
-Based on set theory
-Simple interest, compound interest
-Time and work
-Age of persons
-Drawing a table to represent data given
-Ratio & proportions
-Comment on statements - (True or false type)
-Probability

#Do not miss out on 'Drawing a table to represent data given'- type of questions, because they do not have any formulae, but only simple addition and subtraction; and since you are allowed a Calculator, it cannot be simpler.

#Concentrate also on frequency distribution sums. They usually carry more marks since they are graph-based. The universal law in graph problems is 'Writing SCALE' which we either forget or don't know to write. Write it in the top right corner of graph sheet.
Sample:
X-AXIS: 1 cm = 1 unit
Y-AXIS: 1 cm = 10 units

#If there is a need to show different regions in graph through different colors/shading methods, definitely give a legend/key indicating what each color/shade/stroke represents; preferably in the right side of the graph. Do not crowd your graph with numbers, units, etc. Give it as neatly as possible.

#Don't complicate your graph by making each centimetre represent 3, 4, 6, 8 units, etc. Always prefer units in 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, etc.

#Make sure you do not spend so much time on problems you have absolutely no clue. Even a shabby presentation may come in the way of getting full marks. Do not overwrite. Make it a neat table/graph as far as possible. Use the last sheet of your answer booklet to make rough calculations and make sure you strike them out.

Statistics and GMA for Civil services

How many of you have competitive-exam ARITHMOPHOBIA (fear of numbers)?

-Are you that person who chose pure science group only to avoid maths?

-Do you feel like bashing the person who invented calculus?

-Do you shudder like you have committed a sin on seeing sin, cos and tan?

-Do you shiver at the sight of General Mental Ability problems?

-Do you hate the alphabet 'x' just because it comes in algebra?

-And are you finally that person who hates civil service exam for its GMA section?

Yes. Then this blog is definitely dedicated to you, my friend. Why are you afraid of numbers? Or of logical puzzles? If you say you hate solving puzzles or detest even the thought of problem-solving, then how can the country believe in your ability and award you with one of the most coveted services in India? You have to take the initiative to fall in love with numbers and to live with numbers.


Life is in itself a complex puzzle. We live a life that unfolds mysteriously before our eyes.

# Can you predict the character of a stranger you meet on the road? He is an 'x'. An unknown. Algebra!

# How large is your living room? Area!

# How huge is your water tank? Capacity!

# How fast can you drive on a traffic free road? Time and distance!

# You eat a family pack ice-cream in one hour. You share it with a friend and it is gone in forty minutes. Time and work!

# More friends mean less time to finish the family-pack. Inverse proportion!

# How will you share it equally? Fractions!

# Your marks in exams. Profit in business. Percentages!

# You love someone. What are the chances that he/she loves you back? Probability!

# Find your place on an atlas and express it latitude-longitude-wise. Graphs!

# All mothers are affectionate to their babies. This needs no proof, yet true. Axiom!

# How long can you live on earth? Approximation theory!

# On an average, what is your monthly electricity bill? List it out for the past one year. Statistics!

So can you hate life now, since it incorporates so many mathematical concepts? No. You can't. Mathematics was not thrown from the sky. It is no alien flying saucer. It is not gifted only to a few. It belongs to everyone. And is present in everyone's life. That we do not comprehend this fact creates problems.

Only a person who solves problem knows the joy of it. Take a question from your GMA section. Do not look at its answer. Solve it and then go to answers page. The moment you see that your answer and the given answer are the same, you will feel that joy. For some it may last a bit longer, but there cannot be anyone who does not enjoy that little success. Keep thinking and I'll get back to you with tips on easy-puzzle-solving...

Books suggested for UPSC Tamil Literature

The list contains books that I have read (and also those that I was suggested to read but could not due to lack of time and availability of books). The list is not exhaustive. Prepare notes and keep them fora handy reference
ALL THE BEST !!

Tamil mozhi varalaru – Su. Sakthivel
Mozhi nool – Mu. Varadarasanar
Mozhi varalaru – Mu. Varadarasanar
Tamil ilakkiya varalaru – Mu. Varadarasanar
Tamil ilakkiya varalaru – Thamizannal
Tamil ilakkiya varalaru – Madhu Sa. Vimalanandam
Oppilakkiya kotpaadu – Ka.Na.Kailasapathy
Naatupura iyal aaivu – Su.Sakthivel
Ulaga sevviyal mozhigalin varisaiyil tamil – V.C. Kulandaisamy
Valluvar padaikkum vaiyathu sorkkam – V.C. Kulandaisamy
Tamil mozhiyum varalarum – Devira
Tamil thiranaaivum panpaadum – Devira
Tamizhar valartha azhagu kalaigal – Mayilai seeni Vengadasamy
Ithazhiyal – Su. Sakthivel
Tholkappiar kanda samudaayam – Dr. Natesan
Idhazhiyal kalai – Dr. Ma.Pa. Gurusamy
Ilakkiya Marabu – Mu. Varadarasanar
Sanga ilakkiyam: ilakkiya valamum vaazhviyal aramum – Dr. R. Chandrasekaran
Tamilaga naatupuraviyal – Dr. Sargunavathy
Silappathigara thiranaaivu – Dr. Ma.Po.Sivagnanam
Silappathigara urai – Gna. Maanickavasagan
Kurunthogai – Puliyoor Kesikan urai
Thirukkural – Parimelazhagar urai
Kumbakaruna vadhai padalam – Dr. Durai Rasaram Urai
Vanakkam valluva – Erode Tamilanban
Thiruppavai – C.Subramanian
Kambar kaatum kumbakarnan – Arunagiri
Thiruvasagam – A.Sa. Gnanasambandan
Notes for second paper topics by –Devira, Sarala Rajagopalan
Mozhi iyal – R. Srinivasan
Tamil ilakkiya varalaru – C. Balasubramanian
Tamil ilakkiya varalaru – Muthamizh chelvan
Puthiya nokkil tamil ilakkiya varalaru – Tamilanban
Tamilzhar nagarigamum panpaadum – Thatchinamoorthy
Tamizhar varalarum panpaadum – K.K. Pillai
Tamil kaadhal – V. Subamanickam
Thambiyar iruvar – A.Sa. Gnanasambandan
Silambo silambu – Arasan Santhuvanar
Silappathigara tamizhagam – Sami Sidhambaranar

Suggested books for Botany

The list contains books that I have read (and also those that I was suggested to read but could not due to lack of time and availability of books). The list is not exhaustive. Prepare notes and keep them fora handy reference
ALL THE BEST !!

A text book of botany – Singh, Pandey, Jain
Systematic botany – R.K.Gupta
Algae – B.R. Vashista
Fungi – P.D.Sharma
Cell biology – P.S. Verma, V.K.Agarwal
Genetics - P.S. Verma, V.K.Agarwal
Molecular biology - P.S. Verma, V.K.Agarwal
Microbiology – K.P. Powar
Microbiology – Pelczar
Microbiology – Prescott
Genetics – B.D.Singh
Cytology – Esau
Plant anatomy - B.P. Pandey
Cytology, genetics and molecular biology – P.K.Gupta
Elements of biotechnology – P.K. Gupta
Outlines of biotechnology – Emkay publishers
Biotechnology – Dubey
Plant physiology – V.K.Jain
Plant physiology – P.S. Gill
Physiology and biochemistry – Salisbury, Ross
Physiology and biochemistry – Fritz, Noggle
Plant diversity and systematics – verma, singh, agarwal
Ancillary botany – Rao, Narayanasamy
Taxonomy and morphology – R.C.Dutta
Plant pathology – R.S.Singh
Plant pathology – Mehrotra
Plant pathology – Bilgrami
Plant pathology - B.P. Pandey
ICAR Handbook of agriculture
Plant breeding – B.D. Singh
Embryology – Bhojwani, Bhatnagar
Economic Botany – B.P. Pandey
Economic botany – S.L. Kochar
Economic botany – Sudhir Pradhan (1995)
A text book of Pharmacognosy – Kokate, Purohit, Gokhale
Ecology – V.B. Rastogi
Plant ecology – Shukla, Chandel
Environmental biology and toxicology – P.D. Sharma
Biodiversity conservation – P.C.Trivedi, K.C.Sharma (2003)
Evolution – T.K.Ranganathan
Plant-related articles from Yojana, Kurukshetra and other forestry related government schemes, bills, acts and laws.
IAS Botany material available online as pdf files
Competition refresher’s botany material
Brilliant tutorials botany material
Biology Special issue of civil service chronicle and Competition wizard
Botany material of TataMcGraw Hill GS Manual, Pearson, Spectrum
CSIR-NET – Life sciences material
Botany for pre-medical entrance exam
Plant quiz books
Previous year question papers (Q.Bank)

UPSC Tamil Literature - Areas to concentrate

Freshers are please noted to refer to UPSC Tamil syllabus side-by-side to make use of this blog better.

http://upscportal.com/civilservices/syllabus/part-b-main-examination-syllabus-tamil

Paper-1

Section-A
Part-1
· Fully fact based, remember the names of various languages in dravidian family with a brief note on specialty of each language.
· Sangam tamil and pallava tamil- prepare clear notes showing variations of both the periods.
· Grammar- be strong on the classification of noun, verb, tense and case markers; find creative examples rather than the ones that are usually given in guides.
· Borrowed words- find words that are easy to remember and restrict examples to less than five; do not interchange examples in an attempt to furnish many examples.
· Only short notes have so far been asked in this part
Part-2
· Make thorough analysis of tolkappiam, silambu and megalai ; their core ideas, need for development of ethical literature, sangam literary works and one catchy poetry from each book of ettuthogai and pathupaatu.
· Secular sangam literature is a favourite essay question for paper-setters.
Part-3
· Find catchy and easy-to-remember and explain poetry lines of nayanmars and alwars. Andal requires special attention.
· Nayaga-nayagi baavanai is a prime area.
· Sitrilakkiya vagaigal is another scoring area in short notes. Parani and kuravanji need more focus.
·Social factors in modern Tamil literature- deal novel, short story and new poetry separately. Be thorough in two among these three. Remember names of trendsetters.
· For impact of political ideologies on modern writing, take opinions on the same lines as given by faculty and search for interesting poetry and prose examples.

Section-B
Part-1
· Literary criticism and comparative literature are possible essay questions. Prepare after full comprehension. Names of scholars who introduced certain methods of criticism are to be remembered and used.
· For literary techniques, illustrate your answer with interesting examples. If they are from parts that are not covered in syllabus of second paper (quote pugaar kandam, arathupaal, inbathupaal, new poetry, haiku, poems of bharathiyar and dasan, namakkal kavignar and kavimani), it will impress on the mind of the evaluator that the candidate has a wide grasp of subject.
Part-2
· Have extensive reading on folklore and do not miss out a question from this area. It can be very creatively dealt with; a high scoring area. Quote examples from film songs to add charm to your answer, but do not overuse them.
· Translation- uses and list of translated works are usually covered exhaustively in guides.
· Journalism timeline- start with the pioneers and end your answer with latest new magazines (like puthiyathalaimurai), remember names of trendsetters.
Part-3
· Another area not to miss out is cultural fusion by Jainism and Buddhism. How these religions influenced on Tamil society, culture and literature needs concentration.
· Pallava, chola and nayaks arts, architecture- fact based, remember names of temples and literary works of their respective periods, do not overlap examples.
· Role of mass media- write in an innovative way, give your ideas rather than going by material. This would fetch you more marks.

Paper-2

· Understand the meaning of the poetry or prose, interpret in various ways, collect similar quotes (oppeedu) of other poets and authors; spot those areas usually asked in previous years and frame answers to it.
· You need not mug up the whole vazhakkurai kaathai (silambu), but important key lines that are easy to remember at least have to be quoted. Intersperse your answer with quotes; do not overuse them.
· You must have enough idea to write about individual poetry as well as the overall chapter of poetry (e.g. whole porunmozhikaanjithurai as well as pisiraandhaiyar’s song alone).
· Identify literary techniques used in the poetry (uvamai, nayam, ethugai-monai, uruvagam, padimam, kuriyeedu, etc). It helps both in descriptive answer as well as ilakkiya nayam paarattal-type of questions.
· Read chittirappavai full text at least twice, the first time to know the story and further to know the features of every character in the novel. Same applies to gurupeedam, yarukkum vetkamillai and muthupattan kathai. Usually the clash between idealistic and realistic views of authors will be asked. Find few positive points to appreciate even the villain character of the book. Similarly, find few negative points about the main hero character of the book.

ALL THE BEST

UPSC - Success with Tamil Literature

Tamil Literature:

· I have read a lot of Tamil novels and poems. Language has always been a relaxing subject. It does not put stress on the reader. Added to it, in a literary subject, we have the freedom to express our ideas. We can take sides on interpretive questions and substantiate it with facts. Though my Tamil handwriting is not too good, I do not usually get spelling mistakes. This gave me the confidence to select Tamil literature.

· I got advice on suggested reading from Dr. Iraianbu’s book and from Manidhaneyam faculty Dr. Sankara Saravanan. I started preparing for second optional, one week after Prelim exam got over. Books from Manidhaneyam library were very helpful.

· Classroom sessions of Manidhaneyam started mid June and were the sole source of my preparation. Tests were conducted regularly within prescribed syllabus. The classes and tests were extensive, in such a way that I never felt the pressure of writing the first Mains.

· I wrote down important, interesting and easy-to-remember lines of poetry and quotations separately and revise it often. I collected notes from library books, various scholar’s views on a topic (kurunthokai, purananuru, silambu, thirukkural).

· Usually the second paper will be an application of concepts in first paper. While preparing, do not restrict it to that paper alone. Find portions that are relevant to be used as quotes in the other paper (extensive reading on folk literature for first paper will help in muthupattan kadhai and malaiyaruvi ; deep reading of kurunthokai and purananuru, kudumba vilakku will help in citing examples for literary techniques like kuriyeedu, padimam and the like ; we can quote thiruvalluvar’s couplets for a question on almost any topic –kurunthokai, puram, silambu, kumbakarunan).

· Be open minded when you read any topic. Find where it overlaps with other topics and how it differs from a similar topic. Make notes from revision and keep them handy. Develop interest in the subject. Read Tamil for the sake of gaining knowledge and appreciating its literary excellence; do not associate it with the idea of marks or career.

UPSC Botany Strategy

· I chose botany because 5 chapters of syllabus out of 10 overlapped with my graduation papers. Extensive subject knowledge and making yourself strong in concepts help to clear botany preliminary exam. Selective and thorough reading help to clear Mains.

· Botany can be an ideal choice for graduates in botany, zoology, agriculture, biotechnology, life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary, forestry, dental, etc. These candidates have a fairly good idea of the subject and do not have the fear of scientific terminologies and botanical names of plants.

· Paper-1

1. short notes on prions, viruses, uses and diseases of bacteria, fungi, microbiology applications in pollution control; read three important diseases each caused by bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses; read all important diseases of rice, wheat, sugarcane and potato, along with symptoms and control measures. Mechanisms of defence in plants is an interesting question. Fungal toxins and plant quarantine usually are apt for short notes.

2. analysis of evolutionary trends in structure and reproduction of cryptogams. Make notes on similarities and differences among thallo, bryo and pteridophyta. Distribution of cryptogams may be a short note. Economic and ecological significance of algae and fungi are high scoring areas. Don’t miss out question on them.

3. general features of cycadofilicales, bennettitales and cordaitales are part of new syllabus and are possible questions in recent years. Ginkgoales and gnetales are favorites for type study. Fossils and palynology applications can be studied together. Prepare notes for each family under systematics. Make note of characteristic inflorescence type, placentation, fruit type, aestivation and characteristic example of each family. Practice floral diagrams. Give extra note to all five monocot families. Taxonomy types can be a short answer. Combine anatomy of C3 and C4 plants with C3-C4 mechanisms of physiology chapter (paper-2). Embryo development and endosperm are important topics. Practice diagrams.

4. plant introduction and theories of plant origin are important. Do not skip de Candolle’s theory. Score will improve if you specify points of contrast between de Candolle and Vavilov. Like statistics in general studies, full marks can be scored in plant resource (food, fibre, beverages, spices, oils, insecticides, perfumes). Ethnobotany and herbaria are probable short questions.

5. micropropagation and tissue culture are sure questions. Either the procedure or the applications is asked every year. Add flowcharts and figures to your answer.

· Paper-2

1. cell organelles, ECM, membrane transport and cell cycle are important for essay question. A single organelle can be asked for short notes. Structural variations, polytene, lampbrush and B chromosomes are main areas. Nuclear pore complex is a relatively new discovery and might be asked.

2. genetics needs more importance as it is asked both in short notes and as essay. All Mendel concepts and gene mapping, sex linked inheritance and genetic codes are important. Cytoplasmic male sterility is very very important. Evidences for various evolution theories are easy to remember and high scoring.

3. notes for plant breeding methods are not available easily. If you study other topics in this chapter, breeding methods can be comfortably skipped out. Mutation, DNA sequencing are main areas. All techniques – Southern blot, PCR, FISH, RFLP, RAPD are to be noted. Figures and flowcharts add marks. For questions on biostatistics, supplement answers with tables and graphs wherever needed.

4. the most important chapter is physiology. It is also believed by a lot as the most difficult area of all. Understand the concepts and prepare flowcharts for each metabolic cycle. Diagrammatic answers will be more presentable than running notes. Use black pen or pencil for drawing figures. Photosynthesis and respiration, C3-C4-CAM and photorespiration are must-read topics. Newer fields of study that can be asked by paper-setters are phloem transport, chemiosmotic theory, secondary metabolites, phytochrome and stress physiology.

5. definitely high-scoring questions will come from this chapter. Plant indicators, hydrosere, xerosere, IPR, IUCN and red data books, endangered plants and Environmental impact assessment. Most topics in this chapter are related to current affairs and preparation can be clubbed with G.S. paper

UPSC Success Strategy

· Think every stage in UPSC civil services exam as your immediate goal. Do not think of Mains preparation when you haven’t yet written your Prelims. Do not think of Interview preparation when you haven’t yet written your Mains. Take one step at a time and do it with full concentration.

· An objective-type question examination is never tough, as long as we are clear in our concepts and basics of various subjects, because both the question and answer are provided to us, we only have to choose the right answer. However, it is not so in Mains. Only the question is given. We have to find the answer, frame it in sentences within the prescribed word limits and write it fast in order to complete the paper on time.

· For prelims, speed tests are very important. Try to finish answering (finding answer and shading the OMR) within 3/4th of the allowed time. Since there is negative marking for prelims, it is important not to touch areas you are fully ignorant about.

· Read the question carefully (usually they ask- which is not false, and we forget to see the word NOT). Elimination strategy and logic can help answer a difficult question. For many questions on general mental ability (GMA), answers can be found by seeing the choices itself, instead of solving the full problem. GMA can be a success-determining factor because nearly 15-20 questions will be asked; we can also be sure of our answer at exam hall itself and that improves your spirits for ensuing questions.

· It is worthwhile watching TV news for a selected time period everyday (NDTV, TIMES NOW, HEADLINES TODAY along with one Tamilnews channel). During preparation for mains and interview, I resorted to listening News on AIR FM Gold and then watch news on some main issues alone.

· The radio channel airs world news at 8.30 p.m. in English, India news at 8.45 p.m. in Hindi and 9.00 p.m. in English. Following that is a news analysis where experts discuss burning topics. After that there are day-specific news items and talk shows for half an hour, both in Hindi and English.

· Newspapers- I suggest Hindu and Dinamani though Times of India and Dinamalar would give extra coverage. Take notes of issues and events separately. Keep cuttings of center-page articles by eminent personalities for future reference.

· Magazines – civil services chronicle, competition wizard, civil service times, competition success review

· India Year book of the year you are writing preliminary exam.

· Adequate rest is essential for active learning. I never compromised on my sleep time except 2-3 days before exam. I sleep for a minimum of 8 hours everyday.

· Everyday I studied for at least 6 hours. We have to learn something new each day and add it to our knowledge treasury (brain). The quality of study is more important than how long we study. Breaks of 15-20 minutes for every 2 hours of intense study can help relax the mind.

· For mains, it is important to write model tests. It helps improve speed, accuracy, presentation, word limit precision and confidence. I wrote model tests in G.S. and Tamil. Unfortunately, I could not write a single model test for Mains-Botany as I was too much engrossed in studying, but somehow managed to write satisfactorily.

· Giving answer in points is advisable for questions like – list out the advantages, what were the effects, causes, etc. Try to give subheadings to all questions except the 2 mark questions. Write legibly. Do not overwrite. Think a minute before writing so that you avoid repetition of facts that might irritate the evaluating person.

· In prel and main exam, we have a lot of time to think the answer, frame it suitably and present it neatly. In an interview this is not possible. The answers have to fired immediately. So to have an edge over other candidates, we must form opinions on important subjects, burning topics.

· Discuss a lot and come to conclusions that could be substantiated with reasons. A simple yes or no will not be sufficient to impress the interview panel. Enter into arguments with friends on issues by taking opposite sides. No one can conduct a better stress interview than our friends.

· Think at least two seconds before answering a question. The panel will be very cordial and would wait for up to five to ten seconds for your answer, provided the wait is worthy. · Otherwise it might reflect in their next question. Please do not take wild guesses immediately. Ask their permission to guess or inform them that you are not sure about that answer.

· It is not necessary to answer every question they ask correctly. There would be one question that would determine whether you enter into service or not. Grab that question and answer honestly. If you have no knowledge in some field, accepting ignorance is a welcome move.

Science or Conscience ?

There are few people whom I have met, who at most times smell of pain balms. They have a preconceived notion that only those balms could save them from headaches. In fact, in most cases they apply balms in anticipation of headache, even before actually starting to feel a headache. Those are the ones that inspired this blog. The fact about these counter-irritants lies in their names itself – "Counter-irritant". They act as a counter to the firing of neurons. The principle is simple. Will anyone care for a pimple on the nose when he accidentally cuts his finger when working with a knife? Will a man worry about not having shoes if he happens to lose his legs? The same is the matter with these balms.

So what do you do when you get a headache –
Take a pill? Rub a balm? Get out from your system for some fresh air? Have a short nap? Put all lights out and sit in the darkness? Listen to some light music? Or do nothing at all?

All these will relieve the headache in various degrees. What determines the effectiveness of a therapy? Science or conscience? Is it working really because of some complex chemical structure, bonding with our pain receptors? Or is it only a change in the perception of mind towards the pain? If the answer to the last question is No, then how does pranic healing work?

We all know that every drug that enters the market must pass through a series of clinical trials before being introduced. The volunteers are selected based on their pathological (disease) history and willingness. They sign in a form called as the “informed consent” form. They would be explained in detail, what the study team expects from them and what possible result is expected from the study. So the volunteers can guess about 10-40% of the drug’s effects. What if this “thought” clashes with the “performance” of the drug?

If a person with cancer knows that he is getting a probable cure for his ailment via clinical trials, and that the medicine may enhance his health, or that it may extend his deadline of life on earth, that very thought makes him euphoric. The euphoria is a condition of happiness, a state of active functioning of the neurons, making them transmit and receive neurotransmitters better than when we are at stress and depressed. The term also refers to the state of mind of drug addicts after taking their dose of schedule X drug. This temporary excited state about getting a treatment that is likely to alleviate all his sufferings and social isolation, will definitely make him less perceptible to pain.

Since a considerable part of the feedback questionnaire (that which is gathered from every volunteer after intake of drug) consists of subjective questions (like, do you feel better now?, has the pain subsided?, do you feel like puking?, etc.), the individual’s view of his body condition in euphoric state is different from the real condition. How would we know the distinction between the “real effect” and the “perceived effect” of the drug?

There has been a remedy devised to tackle this – to use “Placebo” drugs. In simpler language, dummy drugs. They do not have any medical effect in relation to the sickness under study. Empty capsules, sugar pills, vitamin supplements, etc. Placebos externally resemble trial drugs, but have no curing or preventing phenomena associated with them. They function as filters eliminating the noise (from conscience) and transmitting only the desired signal (of science). The patients in the study do not know if they are getting a placebo or an active drug. This is called a single-blind trial.

Then is it fine if the trial workers (those who administer the drug to the patient, collect samples and feedback) know who is receiving what medication? He is also a human with a conscience that might make him involuntarily mark an answer expected out of a patient on placebo therapy. A perfect trial should not let the study to be a prey to anyone’s conscience. Thus came into picture – double blind trials. Only the topmost executive of the study would know which patient is receiving placebo.

Finally, science or conscience?
After all knowing the power of conscience itself would not have been possible without science. So do not argue about the title. It’s just a catchy phrase. Human mind has a gift of imagining things. Let us use it for the good.

Delhi Metro

Leave apart the sunburns, mosquito bites, mouth sores and fever that Delhi gifted me, one of the enjoyable experiences in the whole tour was the few-minutes-travel in Delhi Metro train, the other being my interview, of course.

The National Capital Territory's road transport would thoroughly confuse a tourist with its baffling number of roundtanas. One thing appreciable was the low auto and cab fares. The drivers did not argue or bargain much though they did not practice using meters to measure distance-fare relation. Ever since we planned to go to Delhi, I decided to make it a point not to return without having a feel of the much-hyped-about-metro-rail. After all it was not without reason. Metro provides Delhiites with a cheap, rapid and comfortable travelling option.

The vending machine gives you a plastic coin (like namma ooru temple's slipper token) which we gotta retain till we reached our destination. There is frisking before entry and photos are not allowed. It is necessary to queue up before getting into the superfast carrier but not needed to do the same before getting out. Plus a crowded metro reminded me of haridwar at the time of kumbhmela.

The whole metro journey would not have lasted more than 5 minutes, but a memorable experience.

My UPSC Interview

CHAIRMAN (Ch): So, you have just completed your degree in Pharmaceutical Technology. What did you study in that degree?

Me: Sir, we studied the basics of drug formulation, tablet and capsule manufacture and how to design the medicine according to the disease.

Ch: Is it a very technical specialized course?

Me: Yes, Sir, it is a specialized course because it was previously available for study only after an undergraduation in biotechnology. Ours was the first batch to come out with such a degree in Anna University.

Ch: Have you ever considered pharmaceuticals for a career?

Me: I was considering that option also previously, Sir. I had the opportunity of being in NCC for three years. During that time, I came to know about civil service and the various national services. And even from my school days, my parents used to encourage me to become a collector.

Ch: So, you thought it was not a bad option to become an IAS, is it? (All start to laugh) OK, tell me what you learnt from NCC

Me: Sir, in NCC, I came to know about the power of working wonders with cooperation. We learnt the concept of unity and discipline there only. The importance of teamwork and organised work was realised.

Ch: Did you get any kind of weapon training in that? What else did you learn?

Me: Yes sir, we did get basic weapon introduction and training in SLRs. We were also taught how to dismantle and reassemble parts of the rifle. We had to write theory exam also for passing B and C certificates.

Ch: What thing that you learnt from NCC do you think will help you in civil service career?

Me: After NCC training, I can cooperate well with my colleagues. I can also able to manage my subordinates with ease. I have been a Corporal (my NCC rank) in NCC, Sir.

Ch: what is the one reason you would say for joining civil services?

Me: Sir, IAS, and for that matter all civil services, they demand the learning process throughout the period. The educative process is continuous. I can develop myself and in the process be of use to the nation also. It combines personal betterment with contribution to nation.

Ch: OK. You hail from Tamilnadu. Is there any social problem in your state. Definitely I accept that tamilnadu is performing very well in many indicators. But is there any problem you would like to mention? What is your view?

Me: (I forgot to note that he asked me “social problems”, so I started describing the more general river water problem) Sir, the delta regions are dependent on rivers for irrigation. Tamilnadu being a lower riparian state, the agriculture is affected when neighbouring states restrict river water supply to us. That is one of the problems.

Ch: Yes, that’s true. But, do you feel any sort of social problem that is prevalent in tamilnadu?

Me: Sir, I would not say that there are no social problems in tamilnadu. There have been some occurrences of suppression of lower caste people. (I was reminded of keezhavenmani and uthapuram incidents, he became interested when I said this)

Ch: So, are there areas where these seclusions are still there? What can be the role of administrators in dealing with this problem?

Me: There are some pockets in TN where these are still happening. (I believed that instead of saying there are no occurrences now and getting caught when he quotes some incidents, it was better to accept that such infirmities existed in the society). There were reports on existence of walls between the ‘Dalit’ nagar and the upper caste nagar. They had no access to public areas, water tanks,etc. But recently the wall was destroyed and now all have access to common areas. With regard to the role of administrators in the eradication of this problem, I would like to say that in this case, the initiative to demolish the wall was from a collector of that district. The administration has a great role in preventing such discrimination and it has been doing it well too.

Ch: OK. What else are your interests apart from your degree?

Me: I like to solve mathematical puzzles and riddles sir.

Ch: What is this Hindi Praveen that is mentioned in your biodata?

Me: It is the Hindi Prachar Sabha exams in TN sir.

Ch: So, you can speak in Hindi well, is it?

Me: I completed those exams some 10 years back sir, so I lost touch in speaking. But I can read and write hindi sir. I was not able to find anyone to talk to in hindi sir.

Ch: In your state, they would not appreciate people learning Hindi isn’t it?

Me: No, sir, that attitude is gradually coming down. People are taking Hindi exams with interest.
Ch: oh, that’s very good right?(he asks other members, they accept it) it helps you to get adapted to any state you are posted in India. Good..

Chairman asked member 1 to ask questions

M1: Since you are from pharmaceutical background, I wanted to ask you about one particular disease – malaria. There is a particular drug called Artemisinin. Have you heard about it ? (I said yes) There are two variants of this drug in the market (he told two names). Can you say what is the difference? I said I didn’t know and that we dealt with only generic drug names in our course. He asked me to guess. I said that the variation could have been due to different side chains attached to the chemical. There were more discussions on that between the members and chairman. They forgot my presence for about a minute. (This is a special kind of medicine from China, and it cannot be synthesised in the lab, must only be obtained from plants, chairman became very interested in this topic and asked M1 if it is available in the market, what its cost was and whether it is affordable). Finally he asked me what the importance of the drug was. I shook my head with a ‘No’. Then he said that it was the only drug that was available to deal with multiple-drug-resistant malaria. He comforted me by saying that no problem and it is just a discussion from where we all learn from each other. I thanked him.

M2: (lady member) What do you think about the patent process? Is it beneficial? Why patents are given?

Me: The product patent is more beneficial to the inventor. Process patent is more beneficial to the general public because it gives a cheaper medicine. Patents were given to encourage the inventor to do more research and to regain the money he spent to invent.

M2: what is the difference between product and process patent? Which is followed in India?

Me: the final product is patented in Product patent. In process patent, the process through which the product is arrived at is patented. We follow the process patent.

M2: What about amendments to the Patent act of India?

Me: We have suggested changes to convert to a product patent regime under the TRIPs. The process is going on. (M1 intervened to say that it has already been in force, I thanked him for the information)

(chairman rises to get some water to drink and then comes back)

M2: is India ready for the new change in patent system? What will be its implications?

Me: In the short term, there will be rise in drug prices, but in the long term it will vanish with the development of more drugs by R&D boost.

M2: is there any exception to the patent regime? Is it universal?

Me: No mam, it is not universal. Under the TRIPs itself provisions are there for excluding life-saving drugs, particularly AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria (I glanced at M1 for support, he agreed by a nod) and other epidemics from patent protection.

M2: Why product patent should be given?

Me: To encourage more new products invention. We opposed it because our drug companies only reverse-engineer established products of drugs abroad like U.S. very few new drugs come up

M2: But don’t you think this way helps our drug firms to invent cheaper process to produce a costly product?

Me: Mam, suppose a pest or microbe develops resistance to the drug, then producing the drug cheaply will be of no use. New drugs must be developed.

Ch: So, finally, do you think patents should be given or not?

Me: I think patents must be restricted to creative things only, and must not cover life-saving drugs and things that directly affect the general public (all were satisfied with the reply and gave convincing head-shakes and smiles. Chairman asks M3 to ask questions)

M3: Well, if you are posted in north India like Punjab, rajasthan, haryana. There are these so-called khap panchayats which regulate their own business and give inhuman judgements. So what will be your role in such cases? How can you control them along with your district S.P.? (This is the first and last question asked by M3. he was very much an observer and not much involved in the board)

Me: I will take the cooperation of S.P. to take legal action against them if they give brutal judgements to the people

Ch: What if the S.P. doesn’t cooperate with you, if he refuses to comply?

Me: (I waited for two seconds, looked between two members to collect my senses) sir, at this stage I do not know how the relationship between a collector and S.P. will work. May be after joining the service and knowing the intricacies I would be better able to answer this question. (chairman was all smiles and taken aback for a moment, he said ‘I think this is a very nice way to answer this question’ and laughed out. All joined. Me too. Then he asked M4 to start)

M4: (This member looked like an anglo-indian and I had to listen intently to understand his accent) you were saying something about rivers in tamilnadu. There are rivers which have different names in different areas of its flow. Do you know some rivers like that? Tell me the names of brahmaputra in different areas.

Me: it is called as the Dihang sir.

M4: (I could not understand his expression whether my answer is right or wrong but he continued) it is called as the Tsangpo in Tibet as the Chinese would like to call it. Do you know the European river which has two capital cities situated on it?

Me: (I was in deep thought, felt it was something to do with France.)

M4: It has been famously talked about in literature. Can you guess?

Me: is it thames, Sir?

M4: No. it is not

Ch: thames runs in an island nation, so it cannot have two capitals located in it. Try some more

Me: sir, is it anywere near France?

M4: No, it is the famous Danube, can you say the names of capitals atleast? (then seeing my blank expression, he himself said the answer as Budapest and one more city. Well someday you need to come out of tamilnadu and India, so you have to know these things, that is why I asked this. OK. We have this male dominated society. They don’t care for women, they do not respect women. When you are posted in such an area and if men are behaving like this, how do you think you can cope with it?

Me: I can definitely command the respect I ought to receive, sir. I am a civil servant and a representative of the government. And it does not matter whether I am a male or female in this regard.

Ch: How will you get respect from the people of your district?

Me: Sir, I strongly believe that if I do my duties properly and sincerely, I can get accolades from my seniors and people (all satisfied with reply. Shook their heads as if they expected this reply only)

M4: being a graduate from pharmaceutical sciences, what would you like to say about this drug- Nimesulide? What effect does it have on children?

Me: Nimesulide causes liver damage sir (he accepted it with a yes) though all countries have banned it, it is still available in the open market in India.

M4: what do you think can be done to prevent such occurrences?

Me: (happy to receive the same question I discussed with a fellow-candidate a few minutes back) Sir, I think the intervention should not be made in the drug sales period. This must have been more carefully monitored in the drug licensing stage itself. (all supported with headshakes) even today there was a case of ethical violation in a vaccination trial. (M1 shook his head heavily signifying that he had read that article)

M1: Can you elaborate on that issue?

Me: sir, should I tell about the nimesulide issue or this vaccination trials sir?

M1: tell in general. (Then he changed) OK. tell about today’s vaccination issue. I think four girls have died due to it.

Me: Yes Sir, why I wanted to make it clear is because both cases are different. Nimesulide case is a curative medicine. But vaccines are preventive medicines. In case of curatives, there are several phases in which the drug has to be tested. First it has to be used on normal healthy volunteers, not on sick people directly. The sick must be included in the study only after checking the safety in Phase I. Then comes the issue of effectiveness of the drug.
But in the case of preventive medicines like vaccines, the trials are first done in labs, then in animals, and then in the targeted population. In animals, they are first vaccinated and then cancer is induced using certain chemicals to check how well the vaccine prevent the occurrence. But it is unethical to do the same in humans. Even if the vaccines are meant for children, they must be given first to adults only in the trial stage. So there must be stricter practices to protect ethics.

M4: so do you think the ethical committee has failed in this case?

Me: sir, the ethical committee is a body that has to decide on the number of people in the trial, the duration of the trial and about the protocols. I cannot understand how they permitted such a trial without proper considerations. So this I would say is a clear-cut failure on the part of the ethics committee. (I was emboldened by the cordial board and took a bold stand)

Ch: what are your service preferences? Have you opted only for IAS?

Me: I have given IAS, IFS, IAAS, IRS, Information service, postal service Sir.

Ch: So if you get IFS will you consider going abroad or go only into IAS and serve the nation?

Me: I will be very happy to serve in either case Sir. I would definitely join IFS and go abroad to serve.

Ch: Why?

Me: Sir, I have always liked to represent my country and so I will be proud of joining IFS.

Ch: what is the order in which you have given cadre preference? Will you like to serve in Tamilnadu only, or any other state also?

Me: I will be ready to serve any state in India sir.

M4: I have been observing many candidates in these interviews. I like to note their body language and how they use their hands, head, eye and all. Because even I was noted of my body language when I was interviewed by many people. (Laughs) particularly girls from Tamilnadu, the way you shake your head, it is very nice to look at (he shakes his head in an attempt to imitate me) (all join laughter club) How do you do it? How does it come to you?

Me: (I was smiling and even while listening to the above question did not change my mannerism and shook head in the same way as before) Sir, it is just a sign of acceptance. And it is a symbol of involvement in the conversation. (All members supported the view, though I was looking at the chairman only)

M4: Oh, and it shows that you are not stiff-headed also! (he poses a stiff-head and all start to laugh again) very good..

Chairman looked at all members for agreement to end the interview and thanked me for spending time with them. I reciprocated, got up from the chair and strode towards the door confidently and shut the door behind me silently. I was very happy to have completed the interview and had a certain level of confidence.