‘The Quest’ Initiative: Civil Services officials share insights with Sikkim youth

GANGTOK,: The Office of Lok Sabha MP Sikkim hosted a motivational talk on Civil Services and Administration for students of Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College and nearby schools at the college campus in Tadong on Monday afternoon. The event, part of the 'The Quest' initiative, aims to inspire and inform students about the opportunities and challenges in pursuing careers in the civil services.

The session saw a strong turnout of students, with key speakers being Gangtok District Collector Tushar G. Nikhare (IAS), Senior Superintendent of Police Tenzing Loden Lepcha (IPS), MSME director M Ravi Kumar (IFS), and Social Welfare secretary Sarika Pradhan (SCS). Each speaker shared personal stories and insights, offering valuable advice on navigating the competitive path to civil services.

In their 30-minute talks, the officials reflected on their own journeys, and shared about their individual reasons and circumstances to take up the challenging path of a career in civil services. They also spoke about the motivation and dedication required to succeed in civil services. Despite facing challenges such as limited access to resources in their time, they highlighted the importance of discipline, determination, and a commitment to serving the people. They also emphasized the wealth of resources available today, encouraging students to take full advantage of technology and educational tools to pursue their goals.

Besides our individual reasons and circumstances, we were all driven by a common goal – to bring about positive change and contribute to society, said the speakers. They stressed the value of hard work, time management and resilience, urging students to prepare for the civil services exams with focus and persistence.

The four senior officials maintained that public service is not just about securing a prestigious job, but about fostering change and serving the common good. The speakers emphasized that the civil services are a platform for those who are truly passionate about making an impact.

Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, who welcomed the gathering, explained that the session was part of a broader effort to motivate the youth of Sikkim to consider careers in civil services at both the State and Central levels. “Entering civil services is no easy feat. It requires dedication and a strong mindset. We hope that the stories of these four achievers will inspire students to follow in their footsteps,” he said.

This event marked the second talk under 'The Quest,' an initiative launched by the Lok Sabha MP to engage Sikkim's youth in career-oriented discussions. In September, 'The Quest' kicked off with a session focused on business and entrepreneurship, featuring three prominent entrepreneurs. Going forward, 'The Quest' will host monthly sessions, each addressing different sectors and career opportunities, providing guidance to students and helping them chart a course for their future.