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TOPERS STORY – MY UPSC INTERVIEW

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TOPERS STORY – MY UPSC INTERVIEW

My Advice To The Future Aspirants Is To
Have Targeted Approach, Work Hard
With Dedication And Patience

-   Patel Rajendrakumar Mahendrabhai, IAS Topper2015 (70th Rank)

 

 

Patel R. Mahendrabhai: Hello, good morning Sir; good morning Ma’m; good morning Sirs.

All : Good morning.

Chairperson : Please be seated.

Patel R. Mahendrabhai: Thank you Sir.

Chairperson : So you are a dentist (hmm). Good. Then why do want to become an IAS ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : (I clarified that I wanted to give my interview in Hindi, though I had mentioned in the DAF Form the medium Gujarati. Chairperson granted my request).

Sir, IAS gives me the platform where I can work for poor and needy people, I can work at grass-roots level and can give my best in the service of nation and society.

Chairperson ; Being a doctor, you can also work for poor and needy people and thus serve the society. Can’t you ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai: Yes Sir, you are right, but being a dentist my field becomes narrow, e.g. only in health sector particularly in dental segment only and my working area also will be restricted. Being an IAS I can work in all the fields and in a larger area.

Chairperson : OK, OK. You are working in Rajkot district, so tell me the main problem of Rajkot district.

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Sir, water scarcity is.the major problem for Rajkot, both of drinking water and agriculture irrigation.

Chairperson : So, if you are the D.M. of Rajkot, then what will you do for this problem ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Sir, firstly I will focus on drinking water’ supply; wherever urgently needed I will supply through water tankers. ItT other areas, I will implement the’ government water supply scheme faster with personal interest, i.e. under Narmada Yojana pipeline programme. Thus I will ensure


 

every person of my district that he will get safe drinking water at his doorstep regularly.

For Irrigation I will take personal interest and get faster implementation of Narmada Yojana so that the farmers of my district can get water for irrigation as early as possible. At the same time, I would like to suggest them micro­irrigation technique to save, water.

Chairperson ; OK, tell me the various types of irrigation.

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Sir

1)    Flood irrigation

2)    Drip irrigation

3)    Sprinkle irrigation.

Chairperson : When will you use drip

irrigation and sprinkle irrigation ?

 

 

Nowadays, the nature
of the questions asked
has changed, hence the
bookish knowledge is
not enough. CSR covers
all the aspects (in detail)
of current affairs which
help in all the sections
of General Studies. So it
is extremely helpful.

 

 

 

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Sir, when there are small or medium-size crops in which plants are numerous and placed closely then I will use sprinkle irrigation and for medium to large-size crop in which plants are kept at .fixed distance, I will use drip irrigation.

Chairperson : So, the farmers of your district are using this technique or not ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Very few farmers are using this technique.

Chairperson : Why ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Though this technique saves water and is very useful for crops as well as soil, all farmers cannot use this technique for a few reasons :

★   High cost that requires huge investment

★     Special knowledge (technical)

★     High maintenance cost.

So poor and illiterate farmers cannot use it properly.

Chairperson : Which are the crops that are grown in your district ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Cotton (mostly BT cotton), Groundnut, Wheat, Jawar, Castor, etc.

Chairperson : OK (seems happy).

Member 1 : OK, Mr. Rajendra Patel. It is said that China is using anti-India strategy By strings of pearls theory, by helping Pakistan, through silk routes, etc. So, what do you think India should do, counter China or co-operate with China ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai: Sir, I think the major problem with Indo-China relation is trust deficit. So I think that India should make efforts to reduce this trust deficit. India should co-operate with China, establish close relationship, avoid any misunderstanding, reducing conflict at borders. In my opinion, countering China should be the last option.

Member 1 : OK, what are the major issues between India and Sri Lanka ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Sir, after Eelam War, the rehabilitation of Tamils, devolution of powers to Tamil provinces, 13th Amendment are the major issues where India wants Sri Lanka to implement 13 th Amendment and give Tamil people more autonomy and scope for development.

Another major issue between India and Sri Lanka is in relation to fishermen.

 

The fishermen of both countries enter each other’s territory for more marine resources and are caught by both countries’ marine police. The conflict between marine police and fishermen has become a major issue between India and Sri Lanka.

Member 1 : OK, nowadays in the media, there are some news regarding hundreds of migrants coming to Indonesia and Malaysia. What do you know about those migrants ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Sir, I do not know in detail, but I think they are Rohingyas of Myanmar.

Member 1 : Who are Rohingyas ? What are their problems ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Sir, Rohingyas are Muslims (minority) of Myantnar who basically came from Bangladesh. So majority Buddhists of Myanmar did not give citizenship to them and still harass them. They do not get any right or facility provided by the’ government, so they are migrating to other countries.

(Chairperson directed the other member to ask questions.)

Member 2 (Lady)

Mr. Rajendrakumar. You are from Gujarat and Gujarat is famous for co-operative movement. Do you know which is the major co-operative movement of Gujarat which became famous all over the world for which we can take pride ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Yes Ma’m. It is AMUL Milk Co-operative movement.

Member 2 : So why AMUL Co­operative movement became so successful ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai: Ma’m, first of all, the management of AMUL is divided into two parts. The policy­making and decision-making are done by elected representatives of farmers. So they can make decisions which are beneficial to farmers; then, the implementation and execution part is done by experts, so AMUL can compete in the market successfully. The profit mostly around 70%-80% is given to farmers. AMUL movement started in those areas where surplus milk could be easily available. These are few reasons that I think make AMUL so successful in the world.

Member 2 : Which are the other sectors where co-operative movements have taken place ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Fertiliser sector—IFFCO

Banking Sector—District Co-operative Banks

Sugar Sector, etc.

Member 2 : OK, you have mentioned cricket as your hobby, right ? Then

 

IPL-8 has been over just recently. In that IPL context, tell me the recent steps which have been taken to promote other games in India ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai: Yes Ma’m. From last year, some other games like badminton, hockey, football, kabaddi, etc. had also started League matches just like IPL formats.

Member 2 : So, do you think that this initiative works for these games also ? Why ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Yes Ma’m. Definitely. I am very confident about these league format games that will surely become popular. In this type of format, first of all city-base approach has been taken. So all the teams will be known after that city name that will attach people emotionally to that team. Secondly, this league format invites franchises to buy the team that will ensure commercialisation of these games that will ensure enough funds to promote games. Professionalism will be improved, proper advertisement and telecast can be done, so by this way, other games will also become popular just like cricket.

Member 3 : Mr. Rajendra, our Prime Minister is promoting “Make In India” everywhere nowadays and on the other hand, he also tries to bring FDI in India. So, don’t you think that FDI will harm our “Make In India” initiative ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : No Sir, I beg to differ with you in this regard. I think that FDI will boost “Make In India” initiative. If FDI comes to India, then it will establish manufacturing units in India, that will generate more employment, boost our GDP, fulfil our capital requirement and most importantly the clause of 30% compulsory purchasing from local MSME will also boost our small industries. So overall, I think that FDI will promote our Make In India initiative.

 

Member 3 : Recently, our inflation rate has come down sharply, so what do you think about its reasons ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Sir, I think there are multiple factors that bring the inflation down. First of all, global crude oil price cut that makes petrol-diesel cheaper in India so manufacturing cost comes down. That also reduces our CAD which in turn also helps in reducing inflation. Our RBI’s recent steps also help in reducing inflation. Global economic slowdown help to reduce our inflation as well.

Member 3 : You have recently mentioned about Myanmar and Bangladesh, so which Indian States border these countries ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Sir, for Myanmar from north to south direction, first Arunachal Pradesh, then Nagaland, then Manipur and in the south Mizoram.

For Bangladesh on the west side— West Bengal in the north, Gorkhaland of West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya on the east side, Tripura & Assam and on the south-east side Mizoram.

Member 3 : OK (Chairperson directed other member to ask questions. I think he was very hungry ….)

Member 4 : Why farmers across India are committing suicide P

Patel R. Mahendrabhai : Sir, medium and small farmers are committing suicide who had been trapped into debt cycle. Nowadays in agriculture, input cost becomes higher and remuneration becomes lower in addition to global warming’s harmful effects on agriculture. Big farmers grab government subsidies and other advantage, so small to medium-sized farmers have to suffer so they are caught into debt cycle and are finally committing suicide. •>

Member 4 : Why Gujarat is showing approx. 10% growth in agriculture sector while India’s growth in agriculture is hard to reach 4% only ?

Patel R. Mahendrabhai: Sir, Gujarat is semi-arid region and mostly rain-fed agriculture had been practised earlier, for few years. Narmada Project had increased State irrigation area that raised single-crop cultivation to 2 to 3 crops’ cultivation per year. In addition to that, better seeds, fertilisers’ availability enhance productivity. The State government’s efforts like soil-health card initiative, krishi-rath, etc. make the State’s farmers aware of agriculture details. So I think since last decade, Gujarat has reached 10% growth in agriculture sector.

Chairperson :              Thank you

Mr. Rajendra Patel, your Interview is over here. You may leave now. (Seems satisfied with my answers.)

 

Kolkata’s Food – UPSC Interview Topic

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Here is some information related to Bengal’s treditional food , which is based on the question asked in UPSC and IAS exams . This article is published after analyzing the interview question of toppers of UPSC and Civil services and IAS exams .

IT’S said the way to a Bengali’s heart is through the stomach. Kolkata, the bustling metropolis also happens to be one of the country’s best destination for street food-lovers.
Food vendors are everywhere serving every¬thing from famous Bengali snacks to full meals of rice and curry.
Surrounded by the constant stream of honk¬ing, foot traffic, and hawkers, there’s nothing better than biting into a tasty snack and wash¬ing it down with a clay cup of chai or chaa.
Savouring Kolkata street food has to be one of the best things to do in Kolkata!

Jhal Muri

Jhal Muri is one of the most famous and om-nipresent Bengali street snacks represented in Kolkata. Nearly everywhere you look, you’ll find avendor selling jhal muri.
It consists of puffed rice (like rice krispies), fried dal, peanuts, random crunchy things, fresh chopped onions, a few bits of fresh tomatoes, coriander, a handful of masala seasonings, and a light drizzle of mustard oil to top things off.
The ingredients are all added to a metal can and stirred up so the mustard is fragrant throughout the mixture. It’s eaten like a bag of chips, almost always from a newspaper bag.

 

 

Pani Puri (Puchka or Golgappa)

Though known in different names throughout the country by different names, this is one of the most iconic and beloved Indian street food snacks. It begins with a puri, a hoi- «, |
low round chip, that’s filled with spiced s potatoes, and dunked into tamarind water before being served and eaten in a single bite.
Pani puri is an explosion of crunchy spice and flavor with a burst of watery goodness.

Ghuoni

Generally made from yellow peas (also known as yellow split peas), this Kolkata street food is a favourite among all cut¬ting across the age-framer.
The smouldering hot peas are added to a small leaf bowl, mixed with tomatoes
served with a wooden spoon, and known locally as ghugnichaat.

Bhel Puri

Especially famous in Mumbai, this is the Kolkata version of the famous Indian chaat (snack). Little crunchy curls (that almost taste
like uncooked ramen noodles), boiled potatoes, puffed rice (like in jhal muri), red onions, and coriander form the base of bhel puri. The dry and fresh ingredients are then dressed and mixed with tangy tamarind and spicy dressing. It’s tangy, sour, sweet and spicy, crunchy and fresh… in every bite.
Batata Puri—Bengali style Popular throughout India, this Kolkata version of papri chaat\s a little different in that it doesn’t incorporate nurd (yoghurt) like North Indian variations like in Delhi street food. It be¬gins with little deep fried fritters which are like chips that are laid out flat and covered in spiced potatoes, and a bunch of chutneys and sauces. It’s like nachos, Indian style.

Veg Chow

Until you arrive in Kolkata, you won’t be able to understand how Chinese and Tibetian food influ¬enced street food of the city. Veg chow (short for vegetable chowmein), as it’s commonly known in Kolkata, is stir fried noodles mixed with a few sprigs of veggies. The noodles are scorched on high heat in Indian style woks so they are smokey flavoured, and a bit on the greasy side. A plate of veg chow is

salty, and danger-ously tasty. Freshly cut Fruit
Fruit is cheap and widely available throughout India. These plates of pre¬cut fruit in Kolkata are a little fresh fruit salad. Momos (Fried and Steamed)
Momos, the ubiquitous dumplings in Tibet and Nepal, are
also commonly consumed Kolkata.
There are two versions, the steamed version, and the fried version. Veg is very com¬mon, but you can also find chicken, and even pork if you visit the Chinese- inhabited Ter- reti market in the morning.

Kati Roll (Kathi Roll)

One of the most famous contribu¬tions of Kolkata to the world of In¬dian street food is the ‘Kati RoH’.JJls essentially a paratha that’s stuffed

with a choice of filling and wrapped into a handheld treat —like a burrito.
Chicken or mutton kebab meat, and eggs, are the common fillings, but paneer is also an op¬tion. As for Kolkata street food, when you’re craving something greasy and tasty, a kati roll is sure to please. Badsha & Nizam’s are credited with introducing the original kati roll in the city. Light Meal
Light meal options are also popular on the streets of Kolkata. One of the favourite light meals or snacks is aloo-gobi vegetable curry paired with freshly made chapatis that are roasted straight over the fire. Served with a wedge of red onion, chutney, and fresh chillies, this is a fantastic light meal.

Full Meal

But snacks alone cannot fully satisfy, especially when one is really hun-

gry… and luckily Kolkata street food supplies some seriously tasty full meal options as well.
Both James Hickey Sarani (formerly known as Dacker’s Lane), Dalhousie Square and Camac Street are favourite streets for lunch. Rice and a variety of curries on top is a normal filling meal that also tastes wonderful.

Ice Cream Cone

Though it can’t be included in the list of street food, but we have to include it as it’s the cheap¬est ice cream available on the Earth. For just f 7 you can get a single scoop cone!
Mango Lassi
A lassi is one of the creamiest versions of a milk¬shake. This mango lassi tastes like mango puree combined with yoghurt and blended into a per¬fect concoction. Atthe end, a few nuts and slices of cheese are tossed on top to complete a bever¬age that has to be one of the best things to con¬sume in all of Kolkata.
Chaa in a clay cup Along with the delicious list of Kolkata street food, you’ll need a beverage to wash it all down, and it is, chaa as tea is fondly called in Bengal In Kolkata, they use clay cups to serve nearly every cup of chaa. So, while any visitor will have a truly memorable time visiting the attractions in Kolkata, but as a food lover, there is noth¬ing as memorable as the Kolkata street food. Not only are snacks and meals widely sold are tasty & fresh, the vendors are very courteous and excited to serve their customers.