Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Apr 18: Quite often we hear excuses like 'Very busy, sorry', 'No time at all' and what not when it comes to doing anything but their routine work. But those who do not find 'time' to do anything other than their mechanical work, can find inspiration in a primary school teacher Aarathi, who has now risen to the post of Assistant Commissioner, one of the prestigious positions in the state.
This teacher could complete only her TCH training (after PUC), though she had big dreams to study during her school days. She took up a job in a primary school at Kunigal near Bangalore, but that did not deter her from continuing her studies.
Like everyone else, she too had 24 hours a day, but unlike most, she utilized her time wisely. Between the years 1990 and 2000 she did her correspondence course in BA, followed by post graduation in Kannada and Social Studies, and topped it up with MEd, even while she was working.
Neither did her marriage stop her from her commitment and desire to study more.
1998 onwards, she attempted KAS (Karnataka Administrative Services) preparatory exams. Twice she failed, but in the third attempt in 2010 she secured distinction in preparatory and got the ticket to sit for KAS exams.
But the best was to come. She secured the second rank in KAS, and now she will be posted as assistant commissioner in the state revenue department.
Earlier, she had tried her luck in IAS too, and though she successfully completed IAS preparatory exams, she could not make it to the final papers owing to pregnancy.
"I am not extraordinary. I do not take coaching classes, but I do utilise the free time by reading atleast 3-4 Kannada and English newspapers, general knowledge books, IQ books, etc. When exams approach, I take time off from the school, spending hours on studies. I don't think one needs to be extraordinary to get top posts in the state administration to serve the state honestly."
"My intention is to serve my state with honesty and dignity and approach the problems of poor people. My dream has come true, and I am delighted," she says.
"I used get advice over the phone from one of my friends who is an officer in the Indian Air Force. Also, my husband has been very supportive. That's how it was possible," says Aarathi.
Truly, Aarathi is an inspiration to all those who give excuses when they are capable of achieving anything they dream of.