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Bhubaneswar: “Don’t allow negative vibes distract you during tough times, stay positive about success and work towards it. Don’t lose hope. Don’t take backstage after marriage and motherhood. It’s just a stage in life. Go for your dreams and be successful.”
This was the suggestion given by Anu Kumari of Haryana who hit the headlines after she cleared the Union Public Service Commission 2017 exams bagging the second rank without any coaching.
The mother of two kids was in the city to share her experiences and ideas with IAS hopefuls at an event organised by the Vajirao IAS Academy at Hotel Pal Heights in Bhubaneswar Tuesday.
The 31-year-old Anu, who quit her corporate job and found a brilliant balance between motherhood and academics to pursue a career in civil services, addressed the around 1,000 civil service hopefuls who came from across Odisha to listen to her, as her journey is an inspiration for women.
She switched from a nine year old corporate career to civil service. The mother of two , she decided to stay away from them for two long years to prepare for UPSC.
Anu addressed the students and told them about her preparation for IAS prelims. She said current affairs is the most important topic for IAS prelims.
She pointed out that revisions are the key to learning. Nobody can remember things by reading it just once. Remember you have to learn these books, so keep revising, she said.
“Read the questions carefully. Very often students misread questions and that can be a threat to one’s UPSC dreams. For example, if the question says to pick options from below which are NOT correct circle the word ‘Not’ so that you don’t forget that you have to select incorrect options,” she said.
“Consistency is the key. Don’t study one day for 15 hours and the following day only an hour. Maintain consistency in study hours. Be optimistic and positive. When you enter the hall believe that you deserve to be there and that you are meant for this. Have complete faith in yourself,” Anu told the students.
She told the students to ignore naysayers. There will always be someone who will try to pull you down. Don’t listen to their words, she said.
Practising writing answers is a must. Don’t ignore it. There is always a debate between quantity and quality. I would advise going for quantity with a good reason. Finishing your entire paper should be your first mantra. If while doing it a little quality gets compromised let it be. It is better to complete the entire paper than attempt just a few focusing on quality, she said.
Coming to personal interview she said, “Be positive and have a balanced approach while stating views. Don’t be extremely critical. Don’t brag or try to be something you are not. There are extremely experienced and learned people on the panel and the minute you stray from who you are they will find it out,” Anu reminded the students.
On optional subject she said that a candidate must choose a subject in which he/she is interested.
Anu Kumari has been named the brand ambassador for the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ programme in her home district Sonipat by the Haryana government.
Anu feels passionate about issues concerning women and children and wishes to work in that field once she is posted.
Vajirao IAS Academy Director Dilip Kumar said they organised the event to inspire the city’s youth to work for achieving their dreams.
