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Living a dream

WOMEN POWER Neetu Kamal

The two girls from Kerala, Rajeshwari R. Nair and Neetu Kamal who got through the prestigious Civil Services examinations this year are both driven by a common ambition of “doing something for the people”. It’s this human factor coupled with a focussed aim and loads of hard work that took the girls to this celebrated height. Talk to them and you realise how confident and clear they are about what they want to do in life.

Says Rajeshwari, “I harboured this ambition from my school days,” and she worked towards it. For Neetu who completed her engineering from Model Engineering College, Ernakulam too, it was something she was “always interested in. MBA was only a second option.”

And both the aspirants made it in their second and third attempt but preserved to achieve their desire. For Rajeshwari, who worked as a journalist for a while, there was consolation in the fact that her marks were always a pointer to the fact that in the next attempt, she could reach her goal. “If I did not make it this time, I would have given it another try,” she says happily, informing you that one can attempt the exams four times and till the age of 30 in the general category. For Neetu who made it to the rank list in the first attempt itself, it was the coveted ‘IAS’ that she had set her eyes on. “Perseverance is the key,” she says.

The two have many tips to offer to aspiring students. Says Neetu, “If students are definite about choosing this career then they should take the subjects for these exams at the graduation level itself.” For her the switch from engineering to geography and psychology as exam subjects required extra hard work, which she ably did. A year of daily tuitions and about five hours of home study, she says were her preparatory routine.

Rajeshwari R. Nair

“Extra curricular activities like debates, drama and organising capabilities are very important in this field,” says Rajeshwari, who was asked in her interview about over politicisation of campuses in Kerala, and why women in Kerala were given more respect than women elsewhere in the country. With a sound background of current affairs and gender demography she replied to impress the panel. She believes that matrilineal system is not the only reason for women empowerment here but education, panchayti raj too play a major role. But there’s a long way to go in women empowerment according to her. “Still so many capable women remain homemakers. More should come out and work, for women can do much more.”

For Neetu who knows that as a woman she will have to make many compromises in her official capacity as an officer of the Indian government and her home, she believes she can do it. “There are so many examples of women who have combined family and work well. I know I will have to compromise to demands of the job and family but I am ready to do so.” She can make that fine balance, she feels and undoubtedly these capable ladies can carve out a successful career between home and office.

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