Interview with Shah Faisal, UPSC Topper
IAS Toppers Interview 2010
He could “not have asked for a better birthday gift.” Just 10 days before he turns 27. Shah Faisal became the first Kashmiri and only the fourth Muslim (after Independence) to top the civil services. And this in his first attempt. Excerpts from a chat with the topper from Saugam (Kupwara) Kashmir:
Your thoughts at this moment.
I was expecting a poor rank, but didn’t see this coming. I am overwhelmed and miss my father the most.
What significance does this achievement hold for you?
My success has broken a stereotype about my community. I hope I have set a precedent far the people of my State and helped inspire more Kashmiris to appear for civils.
How do you plan to use this opportunity?
I would like to serve my state by reducing the gap between the people and administration. My first preference will be IAS, then IPS and lFS. I have been a victim of insurgency and understand Kashmir’s problems. My father (Gulam Rasool Shah), a schoot teacher, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in 2002, just three days before my pre-medical exam.
Who would you give credit for your success?
I haven’t had any formal training. No coaching institute can use my picture or take credit for my success. My father, my biggest role model, and my mother, who was my rock after my father passed away, deserve all the credit.
You are a doctor. How and when did you decide to pursue civil services?
I pursued medicine as that’s the trend in Kashmir. I even topped my university (Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences). But I wanted something more challenging. I appeared for the prelims soon after finishing my MBBS. I moved to Delhi and prepared for the exam.
How will you celebrate?
I return to my family in Srinagar tomorrow. The first thing I’ll do is hug my mother.
Ritika Chopra, HT
Hope this would b the starting point for Kashmiris to rock Competitive exams…Faisal:we Medicos of kashmir are proud of you…
congrate 2 faisel.keep it up & lift ur nation
Heartiest Congratulations on your grand success ! Wish u continue to serve the nation as earlier…….
Congratulations Faesal Shah !
Monty Bagati
Great, It shows that in INDIA everey civilian is equal. I hope more muslim particularly kashmiri will develop faith that there is no discrimination on basis of state or religion.
congrats
Hats off to you Mr. Shah. Your success story will inspire many IAS aspirants including me.
Hats off to Shah Faesal! Your achievement is an inspiration to the youth in and aroud India
congrats mr shah . we have the same dream that you achived. you became our ideal person. can you give us some guidence? please….. once again congrats
even im an aspirant of civil service….its really a gr8 work of urs……i hope 2 bcum lik u
u r a source of inspiration fr me……….gudluk……….i hope u vil bring needed changes in society……..
Heartiest congratulations on ur challanging achievment SIR
cong…sir…..i wll try my hard luck …& follow d path
CONGRATES!!!!!!!!! mr.shah. i will write upsc examination as like you
congrates Dr sahab for your grand success
badhai ho bhai jan ko
hats off!!.man……great achievement..i’mtruly inspired by you..
hi faizal sir
now i m inspire to you and now i m going to preparation for civil
best luck
Heartiest Congrats, Faisal..
Heartiest congrats for your superb success,by claiming the 1 rank in the first attempt you indeed broke all stereotypes.Sorry for your dad,May his soul rest in peace.He is indeed very happy with you..
congrats faesal….
Congrats Faisal for topping UPSC-2010.I am sure you will bring positive change in administration of this time.India require people of your background.