Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP leader and former IPS officer Annamalai inspired aspiring civil servants during the 'Neengalum Aagalaam IAS' program, organized by Dinamalar Daily in partnership with Vajiram and Ravi Institute for IAS Exams at Chennai's Kalaivanar Arangam.

The enigmatic former IPS officer underscored the importance of dedication, hard work, and self-confidence in cracking the civil services exam. He lauded the event's role in encouraging thousands of students to pursue government careers, contributing to India's development.

India's Future and Opportunities
Sharing insights from his time at Oxford University, Annamalai noted, “The next 25 years are India's era of growth, similar to what China and Japan experienced. Today's IAS and IPS officers hold pivotal roles in shaping the country's progress.”

He highlighted India's transformation into a $4 trillion economy, attributing it to stable governance and robust infrastructure.

He urged aspirants to see civil services as a gateway to contribute to the nation's evolution from a developing to a developed country.

Annamalai emphasized the changing expectations of civil servants. “Being an IAS officer is no longer sufficient. Officers must continuously upgrade their skills and develop specialized expertise,” he said.

Commitment to the Nation
Encouraging aspirants to remain flexible, Annamalai stressed the importance of serving across India. "Limiting your focus to your home state hinders preparation. Be willing to serve anywhere, including Kashmir or the Northeast," he advised.

Lessons from Experience
Reflecting on his journey, Annamalai shared that the 2008 Mumbai attacks motivated him to join the IPS. During his preparation, guidance from Ravindran of Vajiram and Ravi proved pivotal. His disciplined approach helped him achieve success, scoring 240 out of 300 in the interview.

He concluded with advice for aspirants: "Avoid distractions, focus fully, and believe in yourself. With the right mindset, success is inevitable."