Sikha Surendran’s house at Vadayampady in Kolenchery was buzzing with activity on Friday as relatives and well-wishers dropped in to congratulate the 24-year-old engineering graduate on clinching the 16th rank in the Civil Services Examination.

After completing her engineering course, Ms. Surendran had worked hard to realise her father’s dream of her becoming a district collector.

Failure to clear the examinations in the first attempt did not discourage her. “It taught me to face the exam better. The syllabus is really vast. We have to learn how to tackle the exam by learning the tricks of clearing it,” she said.

Ms. Surendran chose Malayalam Literature as her optional subject. Asked why a civil engineer had opted for Malayalam, Sikha said Malayalam was one of her favourite subjects in school. “The Civil Services examination gave me an opportunity to pursue my passion of learning Malayalam. I was also keen on writing essays in Malayalam on various topics,” she said.

The young topper said IAS provided one with a variety of opportunities and challenges. “I feel it is the best profession to serve society and hope that I will be able to contribute to nation building by undertaking the responsibilities of a civil service officer.”

Ms. Surendran’s mother Silo works with a private firm in Kochi, while her father Surendran, who was earlier working with the accounts department of a private firm, is confined to home owing to health-related issues.

For all those aspiring to top the civil services exam, Ms. Surendran has this piece of advice, “Stay focussed and never give up.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by Kochi Bureau / Kochi – April 28th, 2018