INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH

Ankur Garg
IAS
A believer in divine blessing , dedicated to filial piety-these traits or qualities are not
exactly associated with careerist modern bureaucrats
enjoying the loaves and fishes of power . Yet, an element of surprise may be
in store for you when you hear that IAS topper and a brilliant student Ankur
Garg attributes his outstanding achievement to blessings of God and parental
best wishes . A brilliant student all through, Ankur was pursuing his
engineering studies in the premier institution IIT , Delhi and had two
successive stints in internationally acclaimed institutes in Paris and
Lausanne before graduating as an engineer . Even as offers of six digit
salaries and perks commensurate with it started pouring in the young
engineer opted for Civil Services only for the love of challenge and
commitment entailed by the service . With another IAS topper Ashutosh
Jindal (D.M. /West) as his friend , philosopher and guide Ankur Garg is
currenly undergoing probation and planning to bring about incremental
qualitative changes in the administration . Ankur however makes no secret of
his conviction that he has a lot to learn and a lot more to unlearn as an
IAS probationer. For the benefit of young IAS aspirants in Tripura Ankur is
prepared to offer any help in preparatory studies . In this exclusive
interview he spoke his mind with a candour and warmth that bowls you over .
Que :
Being a topper in
the civil service examination is a fantastic achievement . How could you
achieve this , I mean, what was the secret of your success?
Ans :
There is no secret
of success. It is something which is known to everyone. One just needs the
blessings of God, the good wishes of parents, teachers and friends and
sincere and single-minded devotion. That is he open formula for success.
Que :
Would you let us
know a little bit about your early life with special reference to your
academic record ? This may be inspiring to youths of Tripura.
Ans :
I had been amongst
the good students throughout my school and college days. I did my graduation
in Electronics Engg. from I IT Delhi and passed out in the year 2002. I did
the third year of my engineering studies from INSA, Lyon, France as an
exchange student. Besides this, I also did a 3 month internship at EPFL,
Lausanne, Switzerland. I took the Civil Services Exam immediately after

completion of my graduation and this was my first attempt. As Civil Services

was always at the top of my mind, I did not take up any job with any of the
MNCs and software companies that come to IIT campus for recruitment.
Que :With
your caliber and academic achievements you could have joined other dignified
and rewarding services. What prompted you to go for civil service ?
Ans :
Civil Services is
a career which offers you immense responsibility and authority to do good to
large sections of the society at a very young age. Such an exposure is not
perhaps available with any other service in India at present. Besides, there
is a very high career status associated with the job. These were the two
factors that prompted me to go for Civil Services.
Que :
What specific
contributions can you make to the civil service and the cause of people from
the posts you will be holding ?
Ans :
Presently, I am
undergoing training in West Tripura. My aim right now is to observe and
learn - how things work and how can they be made to work in the best
possible way. I am sure that when I get my formal posting, I shall be able
to utilize these learning's and I shall try my best to make whatever
incremental or big changes I can make in the lives of people. But right now,
I have lots to learn and am not in the best position to answer this
question.
Que :
What is your view
of Tripura ? How do you think can the state develop in spite of the
constraints of geographical isolation from the mainstream and lack of
resources and infrastructure?
Ans :
Tripura is a very
beautiful and progressive state, which is so distinct from its other
north-eastern neighbours in all aspects. So far, my short stay here (appx.
20 days) has been a fascinating experience. The more I learn about our
state, the more I realize that I have to learn more.
In these days of
connectivity (physical or electronic), I do not think that geographical
isolation will be a major inhibiting factor in the state's development in
the coming future. Tripura has a huge base of literate and qualified youth
and this should be exploited. Infrastructure development is coming to the
state in a big way. Though lack of resources continues to be a hindrance, we
must realize that we have to develop methods to utilize whatever we have in
the best possible way. For this, we should identify and exploit the core
competencies of the state in an optimal way.

Que :What
are your suggestions to youths of Tripura aspiring to join the civil service
? How should the youths of the state prepare for this elite service ?
Ans :
Civil Services is
an excellent career option. Especially for the youth of Tripura, because the
representation of our state in the Civil Services is already very low, and
this needs to be increased. And Civil Services is an exam where hard work
and dedication can see you through. For that, you don't need to have
excellent academic background or education in elite institutes. I have seen
good book shops in Agartala where many good books are available. They can
always go in for self-study and take the assistance of their college or
university teachers in case they find difficulties. Going through the
newspapers regularly is another absolute essential. With the state well
connected through internet and cable-TV, flow of information is no longer a
problem.
In case they need any
specific guidance, they can always contact me. I shall try to be of whatever
help I can to them.
Mail me :garg_ankur@hotmail.com,