The Civil Services Forum had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Vivek Atray, Ex-IAS officer, Motivational Speaker, Author, Mentor, Advisor, Columnist, and Visiting Professor. With 8 TEDx Talks and 5 highly popular JOSH Talks to his credit, Mr. Atray has made a significant impact. He is also the founder of SUVICHAR Think Tank and serves as the Visiting Professor and Chair of the Yogananda Centre for Theology at Shoolini University. Through his work, he has inspired countless young individuals to embrace a cheerful, positive, and multi-dimensional approach to life. Read on as he discusses how to overcome the challenges of preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, debunks common myths surrounding it, and emphasizes the importance of efficiency. Additionally, Mr. Atray highlights the values advocated in his books, which are not only beneficial for UPSC aspirants but for everyone.
1.Greetings sir! It is a matter of great honour for us to get the opportunity to interact with you. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule for us! We would like to commence our conversation by addressing a common dilemma faced by many college students. Our college offers the chance to pursue internships during the second year. In light of this, should we prioritize gaining practical work experience through internships or focus on preparing for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS)?
Some students start preparing for the exam in their first year of college, while others begin in their second or third year. There was even a time when a parent approached me with their child in eighth or ninth grade, and I had to remind them that the child was still just a baby. However, one positive aspect of the exam is that it gradually becomes a part of you. The internships offered during this period are essential for personal growth as they not only provide valuable experience but also offer additional financial support. This financial assistance can allow you to focus more on your preparation without the burden of a full-time job. As a result, both you and your parents can feel more at ease, and you can develop a sense of confidence in having a “PLAN B”. It is crucial not to base your choice of core subjects or field of study solely on the Civil Services Examination (CSE). The CSE is an extremely challenging exam, and even the most talented individuals may not qualify. To solidify your career prospects, it is important to strike a balance between internships and UPSC CSE preparation. One should be an all-rounder, a generally aware person, this should help in managing both the things. It's a challenge, but you have to do it!
2.Can a student-athlete prepare for UPSC? Is it possible to manage 3 goals at a time?
Before I joined the NIT Kurukshetra, I wanted to become a cricketer, I was quite certain about it. An athlete can certainly do it. Being an athlete not only enhances physical strength but also mental fortitude. It has greatly contributed to my professional journey. The ability to understand life better comes from sports. However, reaching the pinnacle of sports, such as the Olympics or national championships, poses significant challenges when it comes to preparing for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). Nevertheless, if you are a student-athlete with aspirations of becoming a civil servant, it is indeed possible to achieve both. Engaging in sports refreshes the mind and instills confidence, making it a valuable asset in your pursuit. You should go for it.
3.Does India need more IAS aspiration or should the youth enter the field of entrepreneurship?
We require a greater number of entrepreneurs compared to IAS officers. The demand is for numerous entrepreneurs, each possessing unique qualities. Individuals with a natural inclination towards business or possessing professional skills such as public speaking can excel in this field. I think it depends on your heart, mind and soul. There's no need to rush it. It is also possible to pursue a career as a civil servant and eventually transition into entrepreneurship. However, if you are not suited for a regimental work setting, this may not be the right path for you. Nonetheless, creativity can still be expressed within the civil service. Personally, I initiated E-Sampark in Chandigarh, which successfully promoted the city as a tourist destination. While innovation is still possible within the service, true entrepreneurship stems from one's passion and dedication.
4. Is the myth that you have to study 16 hours a day to prepare for IAS true?
The myth holds some truth, although it is not entirely accurate. Therefore, I will provide you with a bureaucratic response that is indeed true. It is essential to work hard and put in the effort. However, the key is to allocate 20% of your time towards self-development activities such as sports, outings, conversations, and meditation. The remaining 80% should be dedicated to your primary goals, with half of that time focused on your core college subjects and the rest for UPSC CSE preparation. I believe it is still achievable. The 20% dedicated to self-development is crucial for making a significant impact during the remaining time.
I will give you a tip, that is, if you need to study for two hours, divide it into 20-minute study sessions with 3-4 minute breaks in between. Knowing that a break is approaching will enhance your performance. This is an era of distractions. Those 3-5 minutes will make you study better in those 20 minutes.
5.As a UPSC aspirant, I find it hard to read newspapers and keep up with world affairs. Any suggestions?
You should have an interest in what you do; if you love something, you’ll do it in any way. It is important to prioritize your goals and work diligently towards achieving them. However, it is equally important to take care of yourself and not view your responsibilities as burdensome. Start reading those magazines that you love. You don’t need to read the newspaper from page to page. So be smart and strategize. Start loving certain aspects of the world, life, GK and other subjects that may not initially captivate you But, you should make it a point to know about them. The idea is not to become perfect but to keep improving.
6. As an engineer, you belong to my favourite group of individuals who excel at finding shortcuts in various tasks. However, when it comes to civil services, there are no shortcuts available, making it quite challenging to maintain the necessary momentum to progress. How can we overcome this obstacle?
Everyone has the potential to be interesting; it depends on the individual. I believe that the term "shortcut" is not appropriate; rather, we are striving for greater efficiency by reducing the time spent while achieving the same results. However, I believe that we can combine both approaches, as we are all multifaceted individuals who need to possess both specialized and general knowledge. Being a civil servant is a highly demanding and comprehensive experience. But, as I mentioned earlier, if you have a genuine passion for something, you will pursue it wholeheartedly. Half-hearted efforts are not sufficient for the UPSC CSE; you must have a burning desire and be truly dedicated to it. Whether it's Kapil Dev, Usain Bolt, M.S. Dhoni, or anyone else, all successful individuals are deeply passionate about their craft.
7.What is the importance of reading the newspaper? Is there any specific or correct way to read the newspaper?
Certainly, there are three essential components: information, analysis, and expression. You can definitely do it, you just have to be a little smart. It is not necessary to read the newspaper from cover to cover. The editorials should be read along with the op-ed. The scientist who invented something and received a Nobel Prize is significant, while the statements made by politicians are not. It is crucial to be discerning about what to read and what to disregard. The key lies in comprehension; if one comprehends the underlying issues and problems, they will not be forgotten. Familiarity with important court cases is necessary, and taking notes is also essential. During an interaction, Darpan Ahluwalia, a successful IPS officer, once shared with me that she used to make notes that accounted for 10% of the material she read. As the exam approached, these notes would be further condensed to 10% of the original 10%, resulting in a total of 1% of the initial content. And this is sufficient for understanding and reproducing the information during examinations.
8.Can you provide more details about how your recent publications, "It's Still a Wonderful Life" and "Finding Success within 52 Life Skills for Young Indians," act as sources of motivation for the younger generation in India?
As a motivational speaker, I strive to go beyond providing mere facts and strategies. I aim to connect with your emotions and speak directly to your heart. Until you have the “JOSH” you cannot succeed. In my book "Finding Success Within", I emphasize that the biggest impediment to success is often internal. By believing in ourselves and mustering the courage to back our abilities, we can overcome any challenges that come our way. Through 52 life skills, such as mindfulness, physical fitness, writing, and dealing with difficult bosses, I teach valuable lessons on how to triumph by conquering our own hearts, rather than being solely driven by external circumstances, such as monetary conditions.
Furthermore, “It's still a wonderful life” is a compilation of my beloved columns that have been published in the Hindustan Times for the past 7 years, spanning over 200+ installments. This book features 125 of my columns and aims to inspire readers on various subjects including relationships, love, careers, youth, social media, governance, and civil services. It serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating life's challenges and finding joy and fulfillment along the way.
9.In your capacity as an IT director, how do you perceive the challenges and opportunities posed by the AI tsunami, especially in the context of academia and education?
I believe it is an excellent point. There is no need to be afraid as these advancements in technology, such as retina scanning and biometrics, are inevitable. Nevertheless, it is crucial for us to remain human and prioritize love, relationships, and inspirations as fundamental aspects of our world. It is essential for humans to interact with other humans, and surpassing a certain point with AI is not desirable. While progress can be made in any desired direction, it is ultimately up to leaders to exercise discretion in the use or misuse of AI. However, science must continue to advance in this field. Nonetheless, it is crucial for governments, corporations, academia, and individuals like you and me to maintain a balanced perspective and remain aware of the implications.
10.Having pursued electronic engineering at NIT Kurukshetra, have you faced any challenges while transitioning to the role of an IAS officer?
Engineering was beneficial for me as it helped me to engage in logical and systematic thinking. When I joined the service I got my best posting as the IT Director in Chandigarh. My engineering background played a significant role in securing this position, but my primary objective was to apply my knowledge effectively. Fortunately, my passion for reading and my compassionate nature, which engineering does not inherently teach, proved to be valuable assets.
11.Some strategies to cope up with stress?
India as a whole is plagued by overthinking, particularly among the youth. This is understandable given the immense pressure they face. However, in the midst of this battle within our own minds, it is crucial that we strive to remain cool and composed. To achieve this, there are five effective strategies to consider:
Meditation: It is not only for old people; everyone can and should meditate
Physical fitness: Engaging in physical activities not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also helps reduce our reliance on social media. By focusing on our physical well-being, we can divert our attention away from the constant distractions of the digital world.
Reading books: Whether in digital or hard copy format, you should read a lot, helps you think better, speak better
Engaging in conversations: It is crucial to engage in meaningful conversations with others rather than isolating ourselves. Texting cannot replace the depth and connection that comes from face-to-face interactions. By actively participating in conversations, we can broaden our perspectives and alleviate stress.
Cultivating creative thinking: Individuals who possess a creative outlet, such as music, are better equipped to cope with stress. Nurturing our creative side allows us to find solace and express ourselves in unique ways.