IAS interview Experience 2009 of DrShahid Iqbal.
This is a conversation between the Shahid Iqbal and Board, what they asked? How He answered them? All is here! Please read it carefully to enrich your pool of knowledge.
I entered the room and wished the Chairman and
members, collectively, a good afternoon. The
Chairman Mr I M G Khan smilingly welcomed
and offered me the seat. I thanked him and took
the seat.
Khan: What’s your correct name? is it SHAID or
SHAHID:
SI: Sir, it’s Shahid but in matriculation records it
was wrongly entered as SHAID so I quoted the
same for CSE
Khan: Ha Ha…Some Babu must have done that.
It happens. But there is a procedure to get it
changed too?
SI: Yes Sir, I did that recently and have
submitted the revised document now.
Khan: What is the difference between Shaheed
and Shahid?
SI: Sir, Shaheed is Martyr and Shahid is Witness.
Khan: That’s nice. See how a single alphabet
changes the meaning of name. So, Shahid
appeared to me as “Perhaps” but you are
witness?
SI: (SMILING), Sir
Khan: Just be careful about your name, as it is
the computer which makes the result so make it
sure some else Shahid may not take away your
good score!! Do write many letters to Secretary
UPSC citing your correct name!!! I am serious!!
SI: OK Sir, I will do the needful.
Khan: You are posted in Poonch. The district is
known for some border related tensions. What
problems do the people face.
SI: Sir right now I am posted in Srinagar and
having served in Poonch I feel that the Cross-
Border terrorism has created a lots of problem
for the people. The town is only eight kilometers
away from LoC and many times has remained in
eye of the storm. The cross-fires and battles
along the LoC have really inflicted serious
damage to the daily life of the people there.
Khan: Has there been decline in militancy? What
are the reasons?
SI: Certainly Yes, Sir. I would say development
has been a greater reason which was reflected in
lack of local support to the militancy. Moreover
the opening up of the borders has played a major
role : people have come to know the situation on
the other side well.
Khan: What problems do the Gujjars and
Bakkerwals face from militancy?
SI: Sir, traditionally the Gujjars have always been
critical of the secessionist movement and did
never lend support to the militancy. Irked at this
the terrorists inflicted serious damages like
repeated massacres at many places. Moreover
their movement to highland pastures also go
hampered.
DS Mathur: What are the causes of militancy in
J&K?
SI: Sir, apart from the historical factors,
unemployment and poverty had been major
reasons which helped the secessionist and
militants to misguide the youth.
( WHILE ANSWERING I COULD FEEL HOW COULD
A PERSON LIKE ME GIVE SUCH A RUBISH
ANSWER TO SUCH A GENERAL QUESTION? 87
LECTIONS, PLEBISCITE DEMAND, 1947,
JAGMOHAN AND SO ON…………….I KNEW THE
BASICS …BUT THAT’S UPSC PRESSURE TO
WHICH WE SCUMB SOMETIMES, BUT LUCKILY I
COULD RECOVER IN NEXT TWO QUESTIONS.
BUT THE DISAPPOINTIMENT OVER MY ANSWER
KEPT TAXING MY NERVES TILL I GAINED MY
FORM BACK AFTER 5MIN OR SO)
DSM: But poverty and unemployment do exist in
UP too, there is no militancy, then why in J&K?
SI: Sir, I meant to say that historical factors are
there but these were reasons which helped
terrorist to gain local support when the
secessionist misguided the youth.
DSM: Do you think elections have to play any
role in this?
SI: Certainly sir. It is a known fact that 1987
seven elections were the most rigged elections
ever held in JK. This disappointed the masses.
The popular leaders who had to be MLAs were
declared defeated and those were the persons
who lead the militant movement there. Hizb
chief is a by-product of 1987 rigging only. On
the contrast we see 2002 and 2008 elections as
a watershed event there. The kind of
overwhelmeing response in the transparent
elections has shown the way. Development has
been a major reason for this.
DSM: So you think democracy can make or break
your state.
SI: Certainly sir.
DSM: You mentioned, EARLIER, development and
other measures. What are they and how they
have helped?
SI: An example to cite would be the Qazigund-
Bramulla rail link which has bridged the north
south divide in Kashmir and opened up new
avenues. Second the cross LoC trade and
movement of people. The plight of people on
other side of line has opened up the eyes of our
people. The condition of livelihood and HR.
Economy too. Wheat floor is Rs 12/Kg in JK it is
Rs 65/Kg in PoK. (Khan exclaimed : My
Goodness, INR OR PR? I replied Indian Rupee),
Meat here is Rs 120/Kg, and 275 in PoK, Cement
210/bag and 490/bag respectively. These things
matter.
DSM: Do you think militancy saved forests? As
they were out of bound for people?
SI: Sir, I think it was the other way round.
Precious timber like deodar used to be
transported to Pakistan through Jehlum in return
of money. There had been a trade like that.
Terrorists also encouraged local smugglers. So I
think it damaged the forests more. (Khan: True,
money is a big game for them. Even drugs
business is growing under their patronage)
DSM: What are the problems of animal
husbandry there? And what about diseases?
SI: Diseases like Rinderpest and FMD were a
problem. Rinderpest has been eradicated but
FMD remains a serious problem for the livestock.
But the problem is with the numbers. We have
some 2 million non-producing animals at any
given point of time. The tribal people do keep
more numbers as a matter of prestige only. I
have seen in certain instances 4-6 producing
animals in a herd of 150 or so. Its alarming.
DSM: That means a serious grazing pressure?
SI: Of course Sir. It is a serious problem
obviously.
Member Three: You Play Volleyball. Where u
picked up the Game?
SI: Sir, I started playing at LBSNAA and IGNFA.
( and after that?). well sir I did play in Pooch too
where a made a team of my range staff, and I
used to play with them in free time. (feels happy
over this)
MT: How many team members are there? What
are dimensions of court?
SI: Six players of each side. Court is 9 BY 9 on
each side and a 3M Middle portion divided by
the Net at half I.e 1.5m
MT: Whats difference between Volleyball and
Beach Volleyball?
SI: I have not played beach volley ever but have
seen people playing during a tour, Beach
volleyball has a team of 2 compared to that of
six in standard game. Moreover the solid ground
in standard game is replaced by sand!!! It is
played in coastal areas.
MT: When was it included in Olympics?
SI: I believe in 1960 or so.
MT: Some major game event coming up in Delhi.
What and when?
SI: Commonwealth Games in 2010.
MT: What was its earlier name?
SI: (SMILED). Sorry sir, I don’t have an exact
idea about it!!
MT: Which other Game event of this level was
held in Delhi and when?
SI: Sir, Asian Games in early 1980s. ( Asks
which year. Sir I think it is 1984 or so, but
frankly I don’t remember the exact year. Says it
was 1982)
MT: You are a running champion!! (smiles) so
many kilometers are there in Marathon?
SI: well, i have not been into marathon till now
but i feel it would be 40Km or so.
( MT: Yes yes, it is 42Km. oh i see you have
been into 10KM. SI: Yes Sir.
MT: What Programme has Army taken up in
border areas? And its impact?
SI: There is one “Sadbhavana” mission under
which roads, bridges, schools, community
centers, etc have been built. This has been a
major contribution. It has certainly changed the
image of army there.
MT: There was another programme along LoC?
SI: Not a developmental programme but a
security measure, the LoC fencing?
MT: Yes, yes. What about it. Is it successful?
SI: Yes sir, to a greater extent. But you cannot
fence the whole state!! Like we saw infiltration
from Gurez area yesterday. There are
inaccessible terrains also where fencing can not
help. But certainly it has improved the things on
this side.
Member Four: What are the basis of
constituencies, like that of LS or Assembly?
SI: A uniform ratio of electorate to
representative. Roughly eleven lakhs in case of
LS.
MF: What about ST, SCs? What percentage.
SI: Reservation is there for ST/SC. Perhaps, in
proportion to population, but I am missing the
exact scheme.
MF: What are Parliamentary Committees? Whats
the need?
SI: Sir, these are committees constituted by
drawing members from both LS and RS. They
are entrusted with works related to various
ministries.
Since it is not possible for the parliament to go
into the basics of everything, say a Forests Bill.
So the committees see into pros and cons,
suggest measures etc, also budget/expenditure
required etc.
MF: When do they work?
SI: (I MISSED THE QUESTION AND STARTED
ANSWERING WRONGLY) sir when the bill is
introduced then after the diss………..Chairman
interrupts(NO NO)…..i said, Sorry I missed the
question. Chairman says : You are in hurry to
answer that’s why. Question repeated. I said: I
don’t have clear idea. Chairman explains that
they work during budget session.
MF: How was the Budget this year?
SI: No budget was presented this year sir, as
elections were round the corner. So, I think
demands for grants was approved…..something
like that…. (FORGOT VOTE ON ACCOUNT)
MF: But you should have studied it in GS for
Mains?
SI: Perhaps I am unable to recollect the exact
scheme. Economy had always been weak in my
case….(.smile.)
MF: What are your service options/preferences?
SI: Sir, IAS, IPS, IFS. But I will join only IAS.
Chairman: But you have also mentioned IRS at
4.
SI: Sir, at the time of filling up mains form I was
non-committal about IRS. But now I have
decided I will not join any service other than IAS.
MF: Why not IFS? Is it about seniority?
SI: no Sir. I have already put 4 years into IFS.
And have done very good work, gained
experience too. In IAS I would be starting from a
threshold, as job is more or less similar. In IFS I
will have to start from Zero. Moreover its all
about personal preference. (smile)
MF: If you get Nagaland cadre?
SI: I will join sir. Cadre is not a problem for me
today. In 2005 I was committed to leave service
if I get any cadre other than JK. But since then I
have got a great exposures and have come out
of that comfort zone thinking.
MF: Which awards you won in LBSNAA?
SI: Sir, in Photography and Essay writing.
MF: What you learned at LBSNAA?
SI: For me, it was interaction with fellow
colleagues in other services and a culture of
teamwork, be it trekking or cultural programme.
Personally I learned photography and got a skill
of writing.
Member Five: Difference Between plants and
animals?
)
SI: Animals can move plants cannot, they can
eat and plants do not, plants photosynthesize
and animals do not. And the like things……………
M5: But they differ at cellular level too. Do you
know what centrosomes are?
SI: (FEELING HELPLESS) Sir I don’t remember
exactly. It’s been a long time I was at cellular
level last!
M5: Oh yes, I forgot. That might be the reason.
M5: When is the World Forestry Day?
SI: Sir, I don’t know exactly (BLUNDER!!!!!i
thought......i just skipped the date)
M5: Who was Brandis?
SI: A German forester. Was appointed first IG
Forests in 1850s. Started scientific forestry in
India.
M5: Under which Ministry Mr. Brandis worked?
SI: Sir, I think it was ministry of Agriculture,
because till recently Forest department was
under Ministry of Agriculture.
M5: Absolutely right. So tell me when was your
Ministry of Environment and Forests created?
SI: Sir, I THINK it was in 1985 ( was not sure)
(M5: Yes almost then)
M5: Who is IGF now?
SI: Sir, now we have DG Forests, and many IGs.
M5: Who is DGF?
SI: Sir, Mr J C Kala was in 2007, thereafter I
don’t know. (Says: Oh You don’t know DGF, I
said out of sight out of mind perhaps, after
academy I concentrated more on affairs in state)
M5: That is a history. Kala retired long back.
M5: Who is Director IGNFA?
SI: Sir, a Haryana Cadre IFS officer was posted
recently. Yes, Mr Jakati, Mr B D Jakati. (Thank
God, kisi ka naam to aya, wo be ludak ludak k!!!!!
pata nahin hai k wo be retire ho gya TO
NAHIN!!!!)
MF: What are international forestry institutes?
SI: I DON’T HAVE MUCH IDEA SIR. ONE IS ITC
NETHERLANDS WHERE FORESTERS UNDERGO
GIS RS TRAINING.( Rejects and explains about
other instts)
M5: What is importance of 2011 for Foresters?
SI: One is regarding Climate Change. A protocol
to replace Kyoto has to be ratified by then for
post-2012.
M5: OK. But 2011 has been designated by the
UN as I/N Year of Forestry.
SI: ok sir. (sad feeling. What all nonsense
questions he is asking)
M5: What is ICFRE? Do we need such a council?
SI: Sir, it is Indian Council for Forestry, with HQ
at Dehradun. Certainly ICFRE has major role to
play. It has chain of research and training
institutes across the regions in India, where
research is done. It collaborates at international
l evel too. I think we certainly rquire such a
council at National level for coordination between
states as well as I/N level. It serves as a
resource for state forestry personnel too.
M5: Who is DG ICFRE?
SI: Sir, Mr Jagdish Kishan, an IFS officer of
Jammu and Kashmir cadre. ( KISWAN KI TO
BIRTH PLACE, FAMILY STRUCTURE, HOBBIES,
DRESS CODE BHI BATA DUN, JUST ASK ME
MAN: I FELT!!!!!!!!!!!!)
M5: POINTS TOWARDS CHAIRMAN. (LIKE I AM
SITTING IN WITNESS BOX AND HE IS TELLING
CHAIRMAN: YOUR WITNESS PLEASE!!!)
Khan: Shahid, do you know Urdu? Have you
studied poetry?
SI: Sir, I have only working knowledge of Urdu. I
have studied it only as a part of curriculum till
metric standard. Poetry too I studied but for
classroom purpose!!!!
Khan: Ok. Ok, name some poets you have
studied then?
SI: (PLAYING SAFE!!), sir as I mentioned only as
a part of curriculam, I studied, Mirza Galib, Faiz
Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi among others.
Khan: o i see. So recite some couplet of Faiz. Oh
you already told u studied only as a part of
curriculam. So let me recite for you. YE DAAG
DAAG (Something …..i don’t remember), said
Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Do you know on what occasion
he said this?
Khan: He expressed his pain over the partition of
India.
SI: OK Sir, now I will remember this ( WITH A
FADING AND HAPLESS FAKE SMILE, WHICH
MIGHT BE APPEARING AS SADDAM HUSSAINS
LAST ANGRY SMILE CAPTURED ON CAMERA)
Chairman: smiles, so Mr Shahid, it was nice
talking to a polished gentleman ( I know perhaps
he is hitting hard for my few nonsense answers
and shortly going to spoil my IAS aim…..God
Forbid. I STARTED THINKING WHAY HE USED
THESE WORDS, PERHAPS I DID SOMETHING
WRONG? NO POSITIVE FEELING IN BOARD
ROOM ANYWAYS….WILL THINK LATER). Thanks
a lot.
SI: Thank You sir, (slightly bowing before all
gentlemen in 180 degree movement of my neck).
Closed the door with great respect, as if it is
going to fetch me few more marks!! Gave small
look inside, chairman was looking at file, others
looking him, but the man M5 who was hell bent
to spoil my interview, and did it, was keenly
looking at me.
Barring the answer on militancy other things
were smooth. Actually answering that question I
was quadruple minded whether to tell the truth
or the false information they want. So I bought
time by saying existing factors etc, but could
recover shortly. Questions like DGF. Forestry
Day. Forestry Institutes were though little
embarrassing but I could say NO very politely
and with a helpless fake smile. While M5 was
asking questions I felt at the lowest ebb. But
concluding remarks of the Chairman and the
overall interview, to some extent makes me feel
it was good in deed. BUT A THREAT, OF UPSC
BEING MOST UNPREDICTABLE, STILL LOOMS
LARGE.
So expectation: 180-195
“ KUCHCH ISS TARAH SE HUM NE TAE KARI
HAIN MANZILAIN, GIR PADE GIR KAR UTHE,
CHAL DIYE AUR CHALTE RAHE”
AND
“ DASHT TO DASHT HAI DARYA BHI NA CHHODE
HUM NE, BEHER-E-ZULMAT MAI DAUDA DIYE
GHODE HUM NE”
members, collectively, a good afternoon. The
Chairman Mr I M G Khan smilingly welcomed
and offered me the seat. I thanked him and took
the seat.
Khan: What’s your correct name? is it SHAID or
SHAHID:
SI: Sir, it’s Shahid but in matriculation records it
was wrongly entered as SHAID so I quoted the
same for CSE
Khan: Ha Ha…Some Babu must have done that.
It happens. But there is a procedure to get it
changed too?
SI: Yes Sir, I did that recently and have
submitted the revised document now.
Khan: What is the difference between Shaheed
and Shahid?
SI: Sir, Shaheed is Martyr and Shahid is Witness.
Khan: That’s nice. See how a single alphabet
changes the meaning of name. So, Shahid
appeared to me as “Perhaps” but you are
witness?
SI: (SMILING), Sir
Khan: Just be careful about your name, as it is
the computer which makes the result so make it
sure some else Shahid may not take away your
good score!! Do write many letters to Secretary
UPSC citing your correct name!!! I am serious!!
SI: OK Sir, I will do the needful.
Khan: You are posted in Poonch. The district is
known for some border related tensions. What
problems do the people face.
SI: Sir right now I am posted in Srinagar and
having served in Poonch I feel that the Cross-
Border terrorism has created a lots of problem
for the people. The town is only eight kilometers
away from LoC and many times has remained in
eye of the storm. The cross-fires and battles
along the LoC have really inflicted serious
damage to the daily life of the people there.
Khan: Has there been decline in militancy? What
are the reasons?
SI: Certainly Yes, Sir. I would say development
has been a greater reason which was reflected in
lack of local support to the militancy. Moreover
the opening up of the borders has played a major
role : people have come to know the situation on
the other side well.
Khan: What problems do the Gujjars and
Bakkerwals face from militancy?
SI: Sir, traditionally the Gujjars have always been
critical of the secessionist movement and did
never lend support to the militancy. Irked at this
the terrorists inflicted serious damages like
repeated massacres at many places. Moreover
their movement to highland pastures also go
hampered.
DS Mathur: What are the causes of militancy in
J&K?
SI: Sir, apart from the historical factors,
unemployment and poverty had been major
reasons which helped the secessionist and
militants to misguide the youth.
( WHILE ANSWERING I COULD FEEL HOW COULD
A PERSON LIKE ME GIVE SUCH A RUBISH
ANSWER TO SUCH A GENERAL QUESTION? 87
LECTIONS, PLEBISCITE DEMAND, 1947,
JAGMOHAN AND SO ON…………….I KNEW THE
BASICS …BUT THAT’S UPSC PRESSURE TO
WHICH WE SCUMB SOMETIMES, BUT LUCKILY I
COULD RECOVER IN NEXT TWO QUESTIONS.
BUT THE DISAPPOINTIMENT OVER MY ANSWER
KEPT TAXING MY NERVES TILL I GAINED MY
FORM BACK AFTER 5MIN OR SO)
DSM: But poverty and unemployment do exist in
UP too, there is no militancy, then why in J&K?
SI: Sir, I meant to say that historical factors are
there but these were reasons which helped
terrorist to gain local support when the
secessionist misguided the youth.
DSM: Do you think elections have to play any
role in this?
SI: Certainly sir. It is a known fact that 1987
seven elections were the most rigged elections
ever held in JK. This disappointed the masses.
The popular leaders who had to be MLAs were
declared defeated and those were the persons
who lead the militant movement there. Hizb
chief is a by-product of 1987 rigging only. On
the contrast we see 2002 and 2008 elections as
a watershed event there. The kind of
overwhelmeing response in the transparent
elections has shown the way. Development has
been a major reason for this.
DSM: So you think democracy can make or break
your state.
SI: Certainly sir.
DSM: You mentioned, EARLIER, development and
other measures. What are they and how they
have helped?
SI: An example to cite would be the Qazigund-
Bramulla rail link which has bridged the north
south divide in Kashmir and opened up new
avenues. Second the cross LoC trade and
movement of people. The plight of people on
other side of line has opened up the eyes of our
people. The condition of livelihood and HR.
Economy too. Wheat floor is Rs 12/Kg in JK it is
Rs 65/Kg in PoK. (Khan exclaimed : My
Goodness, INR OR PR? I replied Indian Rupee),
Meat here is Rs 120/Kg, and 275 in PoK, Cement
210/bag and 490/bag respectively. These things
matter.
DSM: Do you think militancy saved forests? As
they were out of bound for people?
SI: Sir, I think it was the other way round.
Precious timber like deodar used to be
transported to Pakistan through Jehlum in return
of money. There had been a trade like that.
Terrorists also encouraged local smugglers. So I
think it damaged the forests more. (Khan: True,
money is a big game for them. Even drugs
business is growing under their patronage)
DSM: What are the problems of animal
husbandry there? And what about diseases?
SI: Diseases like Rinderpest and FMD were a
problem. Rinderpest has been eradicated but
FMD remains a serious problem for the livestock.
But the problem is with the numbers. We have
some 2 million non-producing animals at any
given point of time. The tribal people do keep
more numbers as a matter of prestige only. I
have seen in certain instances 4-6 producing
animals in a herd of 150 or so. Its alarming.
DSM: That means a serious grazing pressure?
SI: Of course Sir. It is a serious problem
obviously.
Member Three: You Play Volleyball. Where u
picked up the Game?
SI: Sir, I started playing at LBSNAA and IGNFA.
( and after that?). well sir I did play in Pooch too
where a made a team of my range staff, and I
used to play with them in free time. (feels happy
over this)
MT: How many team members are there? What
are dimensions of court?
SI: Six players of each side. Court is 9 BY 9 on
each side and a 3M Middle portion divided by
the Net at half I.e 1.5m
MT: Whats difference between Volleyball and
Beach Volleyball?
SI: I have not played beach volley ever but have
seen people playing during a tour, Beach
volleyball has a team of 2 compared to that of
six in standard game. Moreover the solid ground
in standard game is replaced by sand!!! It is
played in coastal areas.
MT: When was it included in Olympics?
SI: I believe in 1960 or so.
MT: Some major game event coming up in Delhi.
What and when?
SI: Commonwealth Games in 2010.
MT: What was its earlier name?
SI: (SMILED). Sorry sir, I don’t have an exact
idea about it!!
MT: Which other Game event of this level was
held in Delhi and when?
SI: Sir, Asian Games in early 1980s. ( Asks
which year. Sir I think it is 1984 or so, but
frankly I don’t remember the exact year. Says it
was 1982)
MT: You are a running champion!! (smiles) so
many kilometers are there in Marathon?
SI: well, i have not been into marathon till now
but i feel it would be 40Km or so.
( MT: Yes yes, it is 42Km. oh i see you have
been into 10KM. SI: Yes Sir.
MT: What Programme has Army taken up in
border areas? And its impact?
SI: There is one “Sadbhavana” mission under
which roads, bridges, schools, community
centers, etc have been built. This has been a
major contribution. It has certainly changed the
image of army there.
MT: There was another programme along LoC?
SI: Not a developmental programme but a
security measure, the LoC fencing?
MT: Yes, yes. What about it. Is it successful?
SI: Yes sir, to a greater extent. But you cannot
fence the whole state!! Like we saw infiltration
from Gurez area yesterday. There are
inaccessible terrains also where fencing can not
help. But certainly it has improved the things on
this side.
Member Four: What are the basis of
constituencies, like that of LS or Assembly?
SI: A uniform ratio of electorate to
representative. Roughly eleven lakhs in case of
LS.
MF: What about ST, SCs? What percentage.
SI: Reservation is there for ST/SC. Perhaps, in
proportion to population, but I am missing the
exact scheme.
MF: What are Parliamentary Committees? Whats
the need?
SI: Sir, these are committees constituted by
drawing members from both LS and RS. They
are entrusted with works related to various
ministries.
Since it is not possible for the parliament to go
into the basics of everything, say a Forests Bill.
So the committees see into pros and cons,
suggest measures etc, also budget/expenditure
required etc.
MF: When do they work?
SI: (I MISSED THE QUESTION AND STARTED
ANSWERING WRONGLY) sir when the bill is
introduced then after the diss………..Chairman
interrupts(NO NO)…..i said, Sorry I missed the
question. Chairman says : You are in hurry to
answer that’s why. Question repeated. I said: I
don’t have clear idea. Chairman explains that
they work during budget session.
MF: How was the Budget this year?
SI: No budget was presented this year sir, as
elections were round the corner. So, I think
demands for grants was approved…..something
like that…. (FORGOT VOTE ON ACCOUNT)
MF: But you should have studied it in GS for
Mains?
SI: Perhaps I am unable to recollect the exact
scheme. Economy had always been weak in my
case….(.smile.)
MF: What are your service options/preferences?
SI: Sir, IAS, IPS, IFS. But I will join only IAS.
Chairman: But you have also mentioned IRS at
4.
SI: Sir, at the time of filling up mains form I was
non-committal about IRS. But now I have
decided I will not join any service other than IAS.
MF: Why not IFS? Is it about seniority?
SI: no Sir. I have already put 4 years into IFS.
And have done very good work, gained
experience too. In IAS I would be starting from a
threshold, as job is more or less similar. In IFS I
will have to start from Zero. Moreover its all
about personal preference. (smile)
MF: If you get Nagaland cadre?
SI: I will join sir. Cadre is not a problem for me
today. In 2005 I was committed to leave service
if I get any cadre other than JK. But since then I
have got a great exposures and have come out
of that comfort zone thinking.
MF: Which awards you won in LBSNAA?
SI: Sir, in Photography and Essay writing.
MF: What you learned at LBSNAA?
SI: For me, it was interaction with fellow
colleagues in other services and a culture of
teamwork, be it trekking or cultural programme.
Personally I learned photography and got a skill
of writing.
Member Five: Difference Between plants and
animals?
)
SI: Animals can move plants cannot, they can
eat and plants do not, plants photosynthesize
and animals do not. And the like things……………
M5: But they differ at cellular level too. Do you
know what centrosomes are?
SI: (FEELING HELPLESS) Sir I don’t remember
exactly. It’s been a long time I was at cellular
level last!
M5: Oh yes, I forgot. That might be the reason.
M5: When is the World Forestry Day?
SI: Sir, I don’t know exactly (BLUNDER!!!!!i
thought......i just skipped the date)
M5: Who was Brandis?
SI: A German forester. Was appointed first IG
Forests in 1850s. Started scientific forestry in
India.
M5: Under which Ministry Mr. Brandis worked?
SI: Sir, I think it was ministry of Agriculture,
because till recently Forest department was
under Ministry of Agriculture.
M5: Absolutely right. So tell me when was your
Ministry of Environment and Forests created?
SI: Sir, I THINK it was in 1985 ( was not sure)
(M5: Yes almost then)
M5: Who is IGF now?
SI: Sir, now we have DG Forests, and many IGs.
M5: Who is DGF?
SI: Sir, Mr J C Kala was in 2007, thereafter I
don’t know. (Says: Oh You don’t know DGF, I
said out of sight out of mind perhaps, after
academy I concentrated more on affairs in state)
M5: That is a history. Kala retired long back.
M5: Who is Director IGNFA?
SI: Sir, a Haryana Cadre IFS officer was posted
recently. Yes, Mr Jakati, Mr B D Jakati. (Thank
God, kisi ka naam to aya, wo be ludak ludak k!!!!!
pata nahin hai k wo be retire ho gya TO
NAHIN!!!!)
MF: What are international forestry institutes?
SI: I DON’T HAVE MUCH IDEA SIR. ONE IS ITC
NETHERLANDS WHERE FORESTERS UNDERGO
GIS RS TRAINING.( Rejects and explains about
other instts)
M5: What is importance of 2011 for Foresters?
SI: One is regarding Climate Change. A protocol
to replace Kyoto has to be ratified by then for
post-2012.
M5: OK. But 2011 has been designated by the
UN as I/N Year of Forestry.
SI: ok sir. (sad feeling. What all nonsense
questions he is asking)
M5: What is ICFRE? Do we need such a council?
SI: Sir, it is Indian Council for Forestry, with HQ
at Dehradun. Certainly ICFRE has major role to
play. It has chain of research and training
institutes across the regions in India, where
research is done. It collaborates at international
l evel too. I think we certainly rquire such a
council at National level for coordination between
states as well as I/N level. It serves as a
resource for state forestry personnel too.
M5: Who is DG ICFRE?
SI: Sir, Mr Jagdish Kishan, an IFS officer of
Jammu and Kashmir cadre. ( KISWAN KI TO
BIRTH PLACE, FAMILY STRUCTURE, HOBBIES,
DRESS CODE BHI BATA DUN, JUST ASK ME
MAN: I FELT!!!!!!!!!!!!)
M5: POINTS TOWARDS CHAIRMAN. (LIKE I AM
SITTING IN WITNESS BOX AND HE IS TELLING
CHAIRMAN: YOUR WITNESS PLEASE!!!)
Khan: Shahid, do you know Urdu? Have you
studied poetry?
SI: Sir, I have only working knowledge of Urdu. I
have studied it only as a part of curriculum till
metric standard. Poetry too I studied but for
classroom purpose!!!!
Khan: Ok. Ok, name some poets you have
studied then?
SI: (PLAYING SAFE!!), sir as I mentioned only as
a part of curriculam, I studied, Mirza Galib, Faiz
Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi among others.
Khan: o i see. So recite some couplet of Faiz. Oh
you already told u studied only as a part of
curriculam. So let me recite for you. YE DAAG
DAAG (Something …..i don’t remember), said
Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Do you know on what occasion
he said this?
Khan: He expressed his pain over the partition of
India.
SI: OK Sir, now I will remember this ( WITH A
FADING AND HAPLESS FAKE SMILE, WHICH
MIGHT BE APPEARING AS SADDAM HUSSAINS
LAST ANGRY SMILE CAPTURED ON CAMERA)
Chairman: smiles, so Mr Shahid, it was nice
talking to a polished gentleman ( I know perhaps
he is hitting hard for my few nonsense answers
and shortly going to spoil my IAS aim…..God
Forbid. I STARTED THINKING WHAY HE USED
THESE WORDS, PERHAPS I DID SOMETHING
WRONG? NO POSITIVE FEELING IN BOARD
ROOM ANYWAYS….WILL THINK LATER). Thanks
a lot.
SI: Thank You sir, (slightly bowing before all
gentlemen in 180 degree movement of my neck).
Closed the door with great respect, as if it is
going to fetch me few more marks!! Gave small
look inside, chairman was looking at file, others
looking him, but the man M5 who was hell bent
to spoil my interview, and did it, was keenly
looking at me.
Barring the answer on militancy other things
were smooth. Actually answering that question I
was quadruple minded whether to tell the truth
or the false information they want. So I bought
time by saying existing factors etc, but could
recover shortly. Questions like DGF. Forestry
Day. Forestry Institutes were though little
embarrassing but I could say NO very politely
and with a helpless fake smile. While M5 was
asking questions I felt at the lowest ebb. But
concluding remarks of the Chairman and the
overall interview, to some extent makes me feel
it was good in deed. BUT A THREAT, OF UPSC
BEING MOST UNPREDICTABLE, STILL LOOMS
LARGE.
So expectation: 180-195
“ KUCHCH ISS TARAH SE HUM NE TAE KARI
HAIN MANZILAIN, GIR PADE GIR KAR UTHE,
CHAL DIYE AUR CHALTE RAHE”
AND
“ DASHT TO DASHT HAI DARYA BHI NA CHHODE
HUM NE, BEHER-E-ZULMAT MAI DAUDA DIYE
GHODE HUM NE”
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