Thoughts & After-thoughts !

 As I write this piece today on Mother's Day 2024, I am drenched deep into the everlasting memories inscribed on my heart and mind. The memories of my late mother whom I lost in her physical form in this fateful month of May, the 21st Day, in the year 2016- Budhha Purnima.  If you have read my recent blogs, you would be familiar with certain incidents I have mentioned about her during her last days on earth. But, today I feel like giving some details. (Caution: These are sheer emotions, and you might feel emotionally overpowered reading some portions) Born to a father who was a Govt. Teacher and a house-maker mother, Late Smt. Rampyari Sharma (my mother) was the eldest among her 5 siblings (4 Sisters & 1 Brother). The parents had migrated from the now PoK of then undivided India when they had not even entered their teens. My maternal grandfather ( Nanu ji ) had to leave literally everything (even his parents) while escaping from his then hometown in PoK in the aftermath of part

The Indian middle-class family is a vibrant tapestry woven with strong bonds, unwavering values, and a burning ambition to rise. In these households, respect for elders and extended family is paramount. Social gatherings and festivals are a time for joyous celebration, strengthening the connections that define them. Remember those massive Diwali celebrations, overflowing with sweets and enough relatives to fill a Bollywood movie? Remember those Holi celebrations where you had the fun of your life with your siblings, friends and relatives, your faces and clothes donned in a mix hue of vibrant colors, of-course at the cost of scoldings and even beatings from your mother for spoiling the household with water and colors spilled everywhere? Remember those summer vacations, and those days off after the term-end exams? - inarguably the most awaited time of the year! Or for that matter, remember, those moments of a tragedy in your family or relations, where the entire society comes together t

 Humans are interesting creatures, for they have social relations, dreams and aspirations. These are the traits which arguably distinguish us from the rest of the creatures. And our lives are a constant flux and trade-off between our dreams, aspirations and the imminent reality. There is a trade-off between the short term hustle and the long term tranquility, between self -interest and the bigger picture we tend to ignore in pursuit of the self -interest. There is often a trade-off between social relations, responsibilities/duties and our personal goals. More often than not we tend to ignore the former for the latter. Think of the instances in your life where you have done that. But, above all, it is the realisation of it that strikes you at some point in your life.  From my own experience, I have realised that not every cost for the so called glory is worth the price. This doesn't mean that I am promoting mediocrity. It's just the cost for the success that I want you to factor

The results of JKPSC CCE (JKAS) Mains have been declared yesterday. Have been receiving quite a few queries regarding how to prepare for Personality Test (PT) for JKAS. So, sharing this piece: ( My Perspective)    First of all, congratulations to all those who have qualified for the PT stage. You are one step closer to your goal. But, for those who unfortunately couldn't qualify, Don't lose heart. Its natural to feel bad/low or dejected at this stage. But you must also realise that its just another competitive exam. If you are planning to appear again, then relax for sometime, take a short break to rejuvenate yourself, then continue with preparations. But, in case you don't have chances left or don't want to continue with this exam, then its equally fine. Look for other opportunities. You will find many (which are even better than this).  First Thing First: My PT Score: 1. 173 in UPSC CSE 2019;  2. 183.75 in JKPSC CCE 2020. As mostly said, Interview (PT) is not the test

(Disclaimer: The following content is based mostly on my own perception, observations and limited experience whatever I have gathered so far as a rookie Civil Servant: still too young to make these sweeping observations though).  I had been seriously pursuing Civil Services as a career option right from Senior Secondary (School) days. The zeal and urge for becoming an IAS went on increasing thereafter so much so that I still remember, during our first (official) introduction at College, I straightaway introduced myself as an aspirant whose dream is to become a Civil Servant (read IAS). I hope, now you can relate to what must have been going through my mind when I said those words! Anyways, I kept on pursuing this dream of mine from college days and joined a Coaching in Delhi straightaway after graduation (B.Tech.) in 2016, though I had a placement offer of TCS in my kitty then. Fast forward to 5 attempts at UPSC so far (2 Mains, 1 Interview) and 2 attempts at state (now UT) PCS, when I

  So, in the UT of J&K, amidst the dipping temperature, the recently declared results (by JKPSC) of the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) prelims 2021 aka JKAS /KAS have been warming up the temperatures for the aspirants. After this " very difficult " prelims paper, many anxious minds were unsure about their fate despite tremendous hard-work they had put in. As per initial trends, the cut-off  seem to be around 60s for General Category, much lower than (already low) 77-82 predicted by me and my colleague Vivek. Anyways, heartiest congratulations to all those who qualified the prelims. You should start focusing on Mains Preparation full-throttle in case you couldn't do so after prelims till now, and naturally so. For all those who unfortunately couldn't make it to the second stage, don't lose heart. It is definitely not the end of the world for you. I am saying this with full conviction as I have also faced similar situations in my journey. Take your time,

Imagine, you have been pursuing a goal, a dream that doesn't let you sleep. What if you successfully accomplish your dream or reach your goal? What impact will it have on your life? How different your life will be after you have achieved what you aspired for? Will that be the end of the pursuit? Will that satiate your hunger forever? Arguably not! Let me share my perspective: During my childhood, I dreamt of representing India in Cricket (like most children in India who play cricket dream about). I was so much passionate about this dream, that day-in and day-out, I imagined myself in team-India jersey. When playing in local-tournaments in my town, the feel of National Anthem being played just before the start of the game would give me goose-bumps, and I took the feel of being a part of an international game. I would be thrilled imagining, how satisfying it will be when I would actually be a part of an international cricket competition. Unfortunately, this dream of mine experienced

About me: Hometown : Sunderbani, Distt. Rajouri, J&K. Education : B.Tech. ECE. Hobbies/Interests : Playing Cricket, Experimental Cooking, Attending Panel Discussuions. Optional : Public Administration. Board: Dr. TCA Anant (All male panel). Total 5 members. From entering the gates of UPSC (Dholpur Bhawan) till the verification of documents, I had this natural anxiety and nervousness. But, while interacting with fellow candidates, and waiting for my turn my anxiety gradually went away. At the time of being lead towards the Board room, I was somehow getting positive vibes about my Interview. While waiting outside the room for my turn, I had around 10 minutes to get myself prepared for the “final encounter” with the board members. I quickly scanned the surroundings around me, reading the room nos. in the corridors, name of office bearers etc. (perhaps preparing myself for those “unexpected questions” about situational awareness). I took a few deep breaths t

In the afternoon hours of June 14th, 2020, people came to know about the tragic news of the death of the Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput (SSR). The suicide of this 34-year old young man who had just entered the best phase of his Bollywood career naturally sparked lot of debates across the media platforms. The tragic, abrupt and unfortunate end to a successful career left his family, friends, fans and well-wishers in a state of utter shock and disbelief. The unnatural demise of this celebrity naturally sparked an outrage across Bollywood circles and beyond. It gave an impetus to oft-raised debate of Nepotism in Bollywood, with even some insiders blaming the patronage culture of Bollywood as the reason behind his suicide. Naturally, the fans and others having sympathy, high regard towards self-made actors and a grudge against the family prodigies, gave a call for boycotting certain production House films. No doubt, the sudden and tragic death of a young, dynamic and successf