The 1981-batch retired IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre and Former Secretary of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) at the Centre, Mr Anil Swarup met with UPSC aspirants at an IAS Academy in Nowgam, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

He engaged with aspirants for an enlightening interaction and provided them success mantra and some important lessons.

The session aimed to inspire and guide IAS aspirants, emphasizing the importance of overcoming the fear of failure and cultivating confidence to achieve their goals.

The interaction also provided insights into the exposure available for cracking the highly competitive civil service examination. Mr Swarup wished the aspirants and encouraged them to accept failure as well, as it is also a part of their lives.

He addressed, “You may fail many times in life, and the fear of failure will never allow you to stand up again. Failure is not a problem, it is normal. But having a fear of failure does not allow you to overcome it.”

Mr Swarup is known for his pivotal role in student exchange programmes and enhancing facilities in government schools, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. Here, he played a significant role in resolving issues related to the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) schemes.

Besides a well-known former IAS officer, Mr Swarup is also an author. In his 38 years of administrative career, he has served in various capacities and later became the Secretary to the Government of India.