Recently, our whole family has been filled with utmost joy upon learning the news that my BiL - Mr. Gudlavalleti Nikhil Pavan Kalyan - achieved the unthinkable (for many of us, at least). He secured the 60th rank in the 2011 Civil Services Examinations, the results of which were announced on May 4th.
He is a humble and hardworking chap in his mid 20's, already a tech professional enjoying a plum job in Adobe India, in Noida. We have been following his progression from his Intermediate days with interest, all through his 3 trials at the Civils - all of which went to the interview stage, and were confident the third time would be a charm. Even so, the result pleasantly surprised us all. Not that we expected a particular rank. Any rank that would fetch an IAS is good, I thought. But to get there in style, with a handsome rank - that too ranked 4th in A.P. - was very heartening.
In our private conversations that ensued, we went back in time to see when was the last time an IAS came out of Bandar (MTM). We couldn't recollect. So, we started thinking he's the first IAS in the last decade. We went through many get togethers with that notion, and even had a grand function in the local R.K. Paradise which was attended by about 250 people, who listened intently to what everybody had to say about Chi. Kalyan. We even had a short Q&A session with him in the end, which was received very well by all. Kalyan answered all the questions in his natural flair and with a cool head. It was followed by a sumptuous dinner and photo sessions.
In the other felicitation functions that followed, elders of the town praised this achievement and blessed him. They recalled how long it had been since an IAS came from the town. After talking to many people in and outside Bandar, I am led to believe the last IAS from Bandar was Sri GVS Mani (G. V. Subramanian) - son of the local Post Master - way back in 1952. May be there was one or two more from the town after that. No body I talked to could confirm. By all means, it goes to show that Chi. Kalyan is the first IAS in my life time, from Bandar. That's a great achievement in itself. Not just for the success in the exam. But what impressed me the most is the fact that he set his sights on this position/job - when he could very well have enjoyed his life with the job he has without a care in life. But he planned otherwise, choosing to do something more socially relevant, something that touches people more directly and gives him a chance to serve the people of India.
Hats off to him for that and may the Lord's choicest blessings shower on him giving him the strength he needs in delivering his duties.
Swasti!!
He is a humble and hardworking chap in his mid 20's, already a tech professional enjoying a plum job in Adobe India, in Noida. We have been following his progression from his Intermediate days with interest, all through his 3 trials at the Civils - all of which went to the interview stage, and were confident the third time would be a charm. Even so, the result pleasantly surprised us all. Not that we expected a particular rank. Any rank that would fetch an IAS is good, I thought. But to get there in style, with a handsome rank - that too ranked 4th in A.P. - was very heartening.
In our private conversations that ensued, we went back in time to see when was the last time an IAS came out of Bandar (MTM). We couldn't recollect. So, we started thinking he's the first IAS in the last decade. We went through many get togethers with that notion, and even had a grand function in the local R.K. Paradise which was attended by about 250 people, who listened intently to what everybody had to say about Chi. Kalyan. We even had a short Q&A session with him in the end, which was received very well by all. Kalyan answered all the questions in his natural flair and with a cool head. It was followed by a sumptuous dinner and photo sessions.
In the other felicitation functions that followed, elders of the town praised this achievement and blessed him. They recalled how long it had been since an IAS came from the town. After talking to many people in and outside Bandar, I am led to believe the last IAS from Bandar was Sri GVS Mani (G. V. Subramanian) - son of the local Post Master - way back in 1952. May be there was one or two more from the town after that. No body I talked to could confirm. By all means, it goes to show that Chi. Kalyan is the first IAS in my life time, from Bandar. That's a great achievement in itself. Not just for the success in the exam. But what impressed me the most is the fact that he set his sights on this position/job - when he could very well have enjoyed his life with the job he has without a care in life. But he planned otherwise, choosing to do something more socially relevant, something that touches people more directly and gives him a chance to serve the people of India.
Hats off to him for that and may the Lord's choicest blessings shower on him giving him the strength he needs in delivering his duties.
Swasti!!
