https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

I understood the questions by lip reading, so I could express myself properly: D. Ranjith on his UPSC interview

D. Ranjith from Tamil Nadu who has hearing and speech impairment cleared CSE 2020 in his first attempt
Indian Masterminds Stories

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.


Indian Masterminds Stories
Related Stories
NEWS
NHPC Resized
Rising Giants in India's Hydropower Sector with 'Navratna' Status: NHPC & SJVN
IREDA CMD Pradeep Kumar Das
IREDA Reports Significant Financial Performance in FY 2024-25
GAIL PSU
5-Year LNG Deal: GAIL to Begin Imports from Qatar Energy Next Month
IFS Indian Forest Service resized (IFoS)
IFS Anant Prakash Pandey Appointed as Joint Secretary in Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Punjab_govt_resized
Several IAS, IPS, and PCS Officers in Punjab Await New Postings
nhrc-resized
IRTS Officer Samir Kumar Appointed as Joint Secretary, NHRC
Manoj Kumar Agarwal IAS
Senior IAS Manoj Kumar Agarwal Appointed as Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal
Allahabad High Court
582 Judicial Officers Transferred by Allahabad High Court Including Justice Ravi Kumar Diwakar
Videos
Padmapani Bora IRS
The Rise of Assam as India’s Most Exciting Tourist Spot | Exclusive with IRS Padmapani Bora
Sajjan Yadav, IAS
The Policy Maker Who Turned India’s Vaccine Story and UPSC Struggles into Bestsellers
WhatsApp Image 2025-03-21 at 14.33
Training The Cops In Mastering The Technology Used By Criminals
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
NHPC Resized
Rising Giants in India's Hydropower Sector with 'Navratna' Status: NHPC & SJVN
IREDA CMD Pradeep Kumar Das
IREDA Reports Significant Financial Performance in FY 2024-25
Videos
Padmapani Bora IRS
Sajjan Yadav, IAS
WhatsApp Image 2025-03-21 at 14.33
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT