When D. Ranjith cleared UPSC CSE 2020 in his first attempt, he made news. He is not like you or me. He is special. This specially empowered boy from Tamil Nadu, who got AIR 750, wrote his entire exam in Tamil and focussed on lip reading to overcome hearing and speech challenges. He also chose Tamil literature as his optional subject. In an exclusive interview to Indian Masterminds, he revealed how he tackled the interview round and also spoke about his love for Tamil literature. Excerpts from the interview:
Congratulations on your success. How was your UPSC journey and what kind of challenges did you face on the way?
I started my UPSC preparation in 2019. I decided to write the examination in Tamil because I studied in Tamil medium in school. I chose Tamil literature as my optional paper. Initially, I had difficulty finding study materials in Tamil. I was also not able to find proper coaches to evaluate my Tamil answers. Eventually, I got appropriate support and guidance which helped me to score well in the exam.
Tell us about your native place, your family, and your educational background.
I belong to the Erode district of Tamil Nadu. However, we are settled in Coimbatore for quite some time now. I have done my BE in Mechanical Engineering from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore.
What was your optional paper and why did you choose it?
I have always had a passion for Tamil literature. So, I chose it as my optional subject.
Being specially empowered, was your preparation different in any way from others?
I had my speech developed by lip-reading. Initially, yes, during the UPSC preparation, I did face difficulties in coping with the classes as I was not able to follow the teachings. However, I decided to overcome my inhibition and requested my guides to help me out, and they were kind enough to clear all my doubts.
What about the interview round? Did you face any difficulty there?
My interview was good. I was able to understand the questions by lip reading and, hence, I was able to express my thoughts and views properly. Most of the discussion was about current affairs, and a few questions were on the welfare of the differently-abled.
You had hearing and speech impairment from childhood, or it developed much later? How did you deal with it?
I have hearing impairment right from birth. I was diagnosed early and received appropriate intervention and early speech therapy, which helped me to communicate. I respond to people by lip reading which is challenging at times. However, I have learnt to cope with difficult situations, and I manage appropriately.
Lastly, any message or tips for civil service aspirants?
The determination in your mind to succeed is the key element. Of course, hard work and sincere efforts in preparation are the main points to score well. And, time management and adequate writing practice will help in the end.
