Against all the odds Prasad Akkanouru achieved his dream of becoming a Civil Servant

Prasad Praladh Akkanouru

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2010. Roll No.011570.

All India Rank 141

Date of Birth: 02 - 04 - 1983 (Birth place: Bothi, Dist. Latur, Maharashtra)

Mother tongue: Marathi

Name of Father: Praladh Shantiveer Akkanouru - Farmer

Name of Mother: Annapurna Praladh Akkanouru - Housewife

Address: Latur, Maharashtra.

Education:

* National scholarship

* Board topper in 12th class from Nagpur

* Distinction in B.A. History from Pune University

Hobbies:

Reading books, Poetry (Writing)

At Civil Services:

* Optional Subjects: History and Public Administration.

* In first attempt, passed written exam and appeared in Interview.

* In second attempt written not qualified.

* In third attempt secured All India Rank 141.

BIG ACHIEVEMENT

In this year’s IAS merit list Prasad Akkanouru is probably the only aspirant, who passed this

coveted exam despite many difficulties.

- After completing 10th class from Latur, he did ITI Electrician course for secure future. It was

his parents wish.

- His family members wanted him to become a teacher by doing a D.Ed. Course after 12th. But

Prasad wanted to become a officer through civil services exam.

- He left home to fulfill his dream of IAS officer.

- He boarded the train to Nagpur, the city, which was unknown to him.

- After reaching in Nagpur, he went to many unknown people for job. Here he got his first job

of a waiter in a small roadside hotel.

- He took admission in a school in 11th class by selling a gold chain, his only asset.

- After a work of 10 hours, he used to study hard in the night. He did that for two years.

- His strong determination and perseverance paid him off. He secured 12th class merit list.

- Media in Maharashtra took notice of Prasad’s achievement. His photos published in the

newspapers and flashed on news TV channels.

- Because of this media attention, his family members came to know about his location. Till then there was no contact with the family for two years.

- At that time he told media that his dream is to become an IAS officer.

- Pune based NGO took responsibility of providing him facilities in Pune to complete his graduation.

- During the graduation, he started IAS preparation. He completed graduation with distinction.

- After graduation, he was willing to go Delhi for guidance. Financial condition was the big hurdle for him.

- He went to many people for financial help. After continuous efforts of several months, some people extended their helping hand for Prasad. With that help, he came to Delhi.

- In Delhi, he faced many problems due to insufficient money. But he managed all the problems with great determination and focused hardwork.

- In Delhi, he joined ‘Career Quest’. Here he got timely guidance and motivation. According to Prasad, ‘Interview (Personality Test) plays very crucial role in one’s selection in Civil Services exam. I realised this during my third attempt. Guidance provided by Sanjeev Kabeer, Director, Career Quest IAS Academy was instrumental in my success in this exam.’

- Prasad said ‘I was feeling a great pressure because of two unsuccessful attempts. Many people started telling me that one cannot pass this exam without paying bribe! I never give attention towards the rubbish things like this. During this time, self motivation was the key for me. On 11th of May 2011, a good news came to me! I passed this coveted exam with such an unexpected rank! It was a feeling of conquering the world. Now I can say that any one can pass this exam with determination and continuous hardwork. Timely & right guidance is the key to IAS exam. ‘Nothing is impossible’ is my mantra.’

The Front-Benchers

They're a study in inspiration. Children who overcome their straitened contexts through sheer grit and desire.

READ PRASAD'S STORY (written in 2003) IN OUTLOOK MAGAZINE http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?220747

Send your wishes to Prasad Akkanouru at careerquest.in@gmail.com

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