The results of Civil Services Examination (CSE) were announced Tuesday. Orissa-born Dibya Jyoti Parida ranks 26 among the 1,078 aspirants who have cleared the examination nationwide. Parida shared his thoughts with Pravash Pradhan of Orissa POST. Excerpts from the interview:
How did you prepare for the examination?
I had been preparing for CSE at Delhi from 2011 after completing masters in Botany from Delhi University. This was my third attempt. In the first attempt, I had cleared the written examination but could not do well in the interview. This time, I prepared well and got through.
What is the state you have opted for?
Orissa is my first preference and IAS the top choice of service. It was my dream to work for the people of the country and those of the state in particular. I hope to do that now.
A bit about your family and education…
My family hails from Balasore and I am the only child of my parents. My father is a retired agriculture engineer in the state government. My mother is the head of department of Crop Protection Division at National Rice Research Institute. I studied in Cuttack. I attended Stuart School and completed graduation from Revenshaw University. I completed postgraduation in botany from Delhi University.
Who inspired you to go for civil services?
My parents were my biggest inspiration. I was brought up in an environment that developed a taste for science in me. My mother was a researcher at National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack and I used to observe her work and learnt that it did not involve interactions with common people. But in an administrative position, you can have direct access to people and contribute to their well-being. Thus, I decided to attempt the civil services exam and prepared sincerely. I used to put in 14 to 15 hours a day on average while preparing for the exam.
What is your message to civil service aspirants?
The most important factor is determination. You have to believe in yourself and study sincerely and consistently. Success will definitely come to you. I wish more people from Orissa joined the civil services. Because, more the people from Orissa joining civil services, the more will they contribute in administrative matters of the country. And, we can serve our own state as well.
