In 2019, Vellore in Tamil Nadu was split into three smaller districts Tirupathur (Tirupattur), Ranipet and Vellor districts on 15 August 2019. Tirupathur is a predominantly a rural district. Lack of facilities like coaching and study materials made it was tough for the local youth to prepare for government exams. That is why, very few people are into government jobs.
All this is changing fast now. IAS officer Thiru. D. Baskara Pandian on being appointed as collector In February, started providing free coaching to unemployed youth. Right now, more than 300 students are preparing here and more than 500 students have joined the aptitude tests held every month.
Indian Masterminds interacted with collector Mr Pandian, to know more about his initiative.
THE INITIATIVE
Mr Pandian started this free coaching in May this year. Barring UPSC, the coaching focuses on all exams including TNPSC (Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission), SSC and Banking. Mr Pandian believes that youth here need jobs immediately, so they should focus on comparatively easy exams.
Currently, there are 8 teachers in the coaching. They all are voluntarily teaching the aspirants. Mr Pandian also arranges study materials for aspirants on his own. He himself teaches the students, whenever gets the time.
Mr Pandian has prior experience in coaching. Before he became an IAS, a team led by him coached nearly 15,000 candidates in Kanchipuram.
In the starting, they were expecting only 50 to 100 candidates; but the concept generated terrific response and gradually, numbers grew. The initiative is being supported by a private school, which provides the venue free of cost.
The classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. In week days, there are problem solving session as well. Mr Pandian also enrolled services of some TNPSC toppers. Their experience has been very fruitful for the aspirants in the preparations. They get to know what the coaches went through to triumph and thus are willing to follow the tough path.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Mr Pandian said, “If people from here will get into the administration, they will feel for their own people and district will flourish better.”
THE RESPONSE
Response to the coaching is awesome. To their surprise two girls came all the way from Bengaluru to attend these classes once. Students from adjoining districts come there to attend tests and take weekly classes. In next 2 to three months, there are many exams. Mr Pandian is really hopeful that result will be surprising and will bring happiness.
“If one generation passes competitive exams with flying colors, the next knows what to do and how to progress,” he added.
