Chennai, March 11 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday urged more young people from the state to draw inspiration from successful candidates in the UPSC examinations and pursue a career in civil services to contribute to the nation's growth.
Addressing a function to honour successful UPSC candidates from Tamil Nadu, he described the exam as one of the most challenging in India, and possibly in the world.
"What you have achieved is extraordinary," he said, noting that the number of students taking the UPSC exam had been declining.
The Chief Minister said that after the Dravidian model government assumed office in May 2021, steps were taken to reverse this trend.
Listing the initiatives of his government, which include the 'Naan Mudhalvan' scheme, which provides stipends, advanced coaching, and specialized training to prepare for personal interviews, he said, "These efforts have begun to yield excellent results."
He thanked the officials who had worked hard to achieve this.
Stalin noted that 60 candidates from Tamil Nadu have successfully cleared the UPSC exams this year, and that 56 of them had benefited from the government's 'Naan Mudhalvan' scheme.
"This number should continue to grow. Inspired by you, more young people from Tamil Nadu should serve across India – in various states and districts, contributing to the nation's growth and serving the common people," he said.
Stalin encouraged the candidates to represent India abroad as ambassadors and strengthen international relations.
Pointing out that elected representatives serve for limited terms, he said that civil servants like IAS and IPS officers serve the country for more than 30 years.
"You have the opportunity to serve continuously for over 30 years. This opportunity should make you even more responsible. You must cultivate humility and humanity," he said.
Stalin advised the candidates not to become arrogant after assuming office and "treat even the most ordinary citizens with kindness and respect."
"I believe that each of you will work for the upliftment of India, with love, humility, and a vision of social justice, bringing pride to Tamil Nadu," he said.
Later, the Chief Minister along with his deputy Udhayanidhi Stalin, Chief Secretary N Muruganandham, and Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments P K Sekarbabu, posed for a group photograph with the UPSC achievers.