Gone are the days when Kashmir was absent on India’s Administrative Services map. Last year when a Kashmiri, Dr Shah Faisal, topped the list it was the arrival of change. This year Kashmir was conspicuous by its presence in the list of selected candidates. Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah from Baghat Barzulla finished at 23rd rank. Dr. Abid gives credit to his mother Jahan Ara Naqshbandi, an educationist, for his successes. Greater Kashmir correspondent Umer Maqbool talks with him about his success in the prestigious exam.

Did you ever think of making it to IAS?
I had certainly nurtured a dream of getting into IAS since my college days, because of the great potential of the service to bring about the greatest good of the greatest number of people.

Last year you made it to Indian Police Services. How was your journey from IPS to IAS?
The journey was full of excitement. During the course of my training I realised that IPS is a critical arm of governance, particularly in our state. It is a dream service that provides one great satisfaction when it comes to instantaneous delivery of justice to the people, particularly the disempowered. My transition from IPS to IAS is because of a pull towards IAS, it is not because of a push away from IPS. Besides having been trained as an IPS officer, I can now effectively dovetail both law & order maintenance and developmental roles that are both critical for long term growth of our state. This is particularly important because law & order and development have an intricate relationship with each other.

What inspired you to opt for premier civil services?
My inspiration is idea based. It is my motivation to contribute as a civil servant to the society that has made me whatever I am today. I have an earnest desire to do my little bit in shaping a more optimistic and enriching future for our state. I pray to Almighty that he gives me the courage to stay on the righteous path so that I can be of some help to the people.

How did you prepare for the examination?
The best strategy to succeed in the UPSC civil services exam is to approach it holistically and analytically with confidence in your ability. One must understand the requirements of the exam to begin with. It is to choose a candidate who can run the higher echelons of governance in India. So a candidate must develop objectivity, rationality, analytical ability and problem solving skills in him. Approach all three stages ( Prelims, Mains & Interview ) methodically with a fine balance of information processing and deeper understanding. Start from the simplest concepts & then move on to the more complex, gaining clarity of thought at every level. It is not humanly possible to know everything about everything, but one must try to broaden ones knowledge base as much as possible. Also studying one book ten times is better than studying ten books one time each.
How you see the future of Kashmiri youth in All India Civil Services?
 My message to all those youngsters preparing for the civil services is that they should realise their potential and capability to succeed. All of them can touch the peak provided they work conscientiously with dedication and good intentions of serving the people. Have faith in Almighty and in your capability and success will kiss your feet. More practically speaking the right guidance with the right study material is of paramount importance. You cannot afford to waste time on superfluous readings, consolidate your basics, develop your analytical reasoning and have a knack for in-depth study of topics. I see the future of Kashmiri youth as well as those from Jammu & Ladakh as very bright on the platform of All India Civil Services.

Would you like to serve your home state?
It is my earnest desire to give back something positive to this state which made me what I am. Having been a witness to such turbulent times, it is my desire to work hard for the people of J&K to make a positive impact. Besides on account of being a Kashmiri I have acquired an understanding of the unique socio-cultural and administrative problems that can be tackled by good governance. It would therefore be a dream come true if I am given an opportunity to be in my home state.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 IST