August 21, Khanapara: “Acquiring the depth, clear concept on the subject without overlooking any small content of the syllabus, interest on subject chosen, dedication and passion for achieving success is the core factors to be relied on. On failure one need to put repeated attempts but without frustration, not be greedy and over confident. Finally if you could not succeed, follow the second alternative profession you like as a future career and consider whatever knowledge you have acquired during preparation is your power and resource for future” these are the words of Ira Singhal, the IAS Topper-2015 while addressing the students at University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya on 21st August, 2015 for a day long interactive session with more than two thousand aspiring IAS students of different colleges & schools including students from Regional Institute of Science & Technology & USTM. She was here on a special invitation by USTM to motivate the students for excelling in the IAS examination particularly from the North Eastern Region.
Ira Singhal is the first differently abled candidate to top the IAS examination in the general category. Suffering from a spine-related disorder, Scoliosis, which disrupts her arm movement, Singhal refuses to let her disability bog her down. This is 31-year old Ira Singhal’s fourth attempt at the examination. She is currently posted as an Assistant Commissioner in the Customs & Excise department of the Indian Revenue Services. In the year 2010 too, she had cleared the examination but was refused a posting because of her disability, not one to let things take their own course, she not only moved the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) with her case but also won it and was inducted in 2014.
On a reply to another question, which will be better option to serve the society either being a IAS officer or being a Politician? She replied saying both are good profession if you are honest, it depends on the individual and maintain honesty with the profession. If you want to serve the society from behind the scene better be an IAS officer and if you want to serve with visibility better try to be politician.
In a reply to another question on her success, she replied if you have courage, passion and determination, no one can stop you from achieving what is meant for you, all that requires is just hard work, self confidence and perseverance.
In reply to a question regarding corruption she assured that she will try her level best to stop corruption at least in the district wherever she will be posted. Also she will encourage more & more women empowerment without discrimination.
PRO, ERDF