In an inspiring session with aspiring civil servants, 2011 batch IAS officer Sharath B., Managing Director of the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC), shared valuable insights from his personal journey, urging students to prepare for the long haul and make sacrifices in their pursuit of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Addressing the students at Christ University, Yeshwanthpur, Karnataka, Sharath emphasized the importance of persistence, discipline, and the right mindset. Recalling his own transformation from a media studies professor to a civil servant, he described the transition as both demanding and rewarding.
“You may need to slog for at least four years. Some clear the exam sooner, but having the right mindset is crucial,” he told the aspirants. Sharath underscored that while the journey might be long and challenging, the results are worth the effort.
He encouraged students to engage with credible news sources and develop a balanced perspective, which is crucial for a career in the bureaucracy.
Reflecting on his career, Sharath spoke about his transformative work in Mandya, where he implemented the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and his impactful tenure in Mysuru. He shared his journey from being a reluctant entrant into the civil services to becoming a committed advocate for systemic change. “The system has its flaws, but there’s always scope to be the change you hope to see,” he stated, urging the aspirants to embrace challenges and contribute positively to society.
The session ended on an inspiring note, with Sharath encouraging students to view their preparation as a marathon, not a sprint. His message of sacrifice, dedication, and the desire to drive change resonated strongly with the students, motivating them to remain steadfast in their civil services aspirations.
