Into the mind of the Fighter

We come across many interviews of toppers. But here's the thing, most of them are the interviews of people with Ranks 1-10 with advice that are hard to follow and implement. What about the people who have good ranks and never come to limelight. I will bring to you insight into the lives of the common people who faced highest of oddities and hardships and have still managed to outshine others. Friends, today is my 1st attempt at doing this. I will bring forward the struggle of my dear friend Souvik Tarafdar, whom I know since my JU days. Known for his never give up attitude in class, Souvik was one of the very few people to get placed by campus recruitment. Souvik is an ex-engineer from L&T. Following are the excerpts from an exclusive interview with Souvik. The entire interview is unedited and I sincerely thank Souvik for letting me ask questions...

Q) Souvik, I have known you from a long time, As a classmate, I have always admired your grittiness and never give up attitude. Talk us about your entry to JU... How you have prepared and a little background about yourself

Souvik: Hi friends...Being a guy from a small city of North Bengal it was not easy to cope up with JU culture in my early days..but as the time passed I got used to with it...My native place is Raiganj...at my time it was not at all easy to prepare for competitive exams like joint entrance from a small town.But still I tried my best and got 781 rank .It was not as good as expected but still I got admission in JU with civil engg.

Q) Souvik, you are one of the very few people to be placed from Campus. What prompted you to leave the job?

Souvik: I got placed in Larsen and toubro through college campus recruitment. As it was my first job exposure so I was excited before joining.But later on I realized that private job is not my cup of tea.So after 1yrs I left my job and started preparing for govt jobs specially UPSC and state exams.The journey was not easy but I tried my best.

Private jobs specially in civil engineering aspect are not satisfying for me.As it did not provide me the kind of prestige and smooth work culture I was expecting.So I left my job.

Q) Was it easy leaving the job?

Souvik: Not at all. As Larsen & Toubro is one of the highest paying construction companies in india so I used to get good enough salary at that time.But as I realized that i must leave in order to give myself ample amount of time to prepare. Also my family supported me a lot in this regard.

Q) Souvik, talk to us about your preparation strategy and your mental state while preparing.

Souvik: As I was working in site job for 1 year I almost forgot all of my B.E curriculum.So I had to start from scratch .I joined Made Easy Kolkata centre to brush up my technical knowledge and also for General studies subjects for UPSC exams.Those were really hard days in my life. Sometimes I used to get depressed. But still I tried and tried to keep me on the right course. And I kept my faith on almighty that my hard work will be fruitful.

Q) I know personally about your achievements and the amount of sweat you broke for them. Please tell the readers about your achievements too.

Souvik: I cleared West Bengal Power Development corporation limited ( A state PSU ) Assistant Manager exam by securing 1st rank.Also I cleared 2/3 state Assistant Engineer exams of my State.I failed to clear UPSC Mains in my 1st attempt but this year I am preparing hard for mains. And I'm hopeful to clear it this year.

Q) What was your first reaction on seeing your name in the list?

Souvik: It was a delightful experience.I was so happy.After getting rejected in many exams by very marginal marks It was my first selection.(WBPDCL ASSISTANT MANAGER EXAM 2018). It had only 1 General category vacancy and I got that.So I am thankful to the almighty.

Q) What is your message to others who are going through the phase you once faced?

Souvik: The only thing I want to tell my friends that this journey is tough . It needs your sheer determination and hard work.But your hunger to achieve something will definitely get u over the line.So keep patience,be focused and believe in almighty. All the best,

So, you can see friends life is difficult for each and everyone. The main motto is not to give up. I sincerely wish Souvik all the very best in life and thank him again for sharing his story. I am hopeful that this story will lift your spirits and next time, I would like to take your interview.