External Affairs Minister Recalls UPSC Interview on the Dawn of a New Era
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently shared a fascinating anecdote about his life, revealing a unique intersection of personal ambition and national history. His account centers around his appearance before the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for his civil service interview, a pivotal moment occurring on the very day the State of Emergency in India was lifted.
A Coincidence of History and Personal Journey
The Minister's recollection paints a vivid picture. The year was 1977, a year of significant political transformation in India. The shadow of the Emergency, a period marked by widespread restrictions on civil liberties, was finally receding. As the nation embarked on a new chapter, Jaishankar found himself facing a different kind of challenge: the rigorous UPSC interview, a gateway to a career in the Indian Foreign Service.
The Interview Setting and Atmosphere
He described the atmosphere as charged with both anticipation and the lingering weight of the recent past. The gravity of the historical moment, the palpable relief felt across the country, undoubtedly formed the backdrop against which his interview unfolded. It's a striking juxtaposition: a personal quest for professional advancement against the backdrop of a nation recovering from a period of profound political turmoil.
While the specifics of the questions asked weren't publicly detailed, it's easy to imagine the interviewers considering the impact of the Emergency and its aftermath on the candidates’ understanding of governance and public service.
Questions on Governance and National Identity
While the exact questions remain undisclosed, it's reasonable to assume the UPSC board would have delved into questions assessing Jaishankar's understanding of India's political landscape, its challenges, and potential future directions. The immediate post-Emergency era would have undeniably influenced the thematic focus of the interview. Candidates were likely probed on their grasp of:
- The implications of the Emergency on democratic institutions
- The role of the civil service in upholding democratic values
- The challenges of national reconstruction and reconciliation
Jaishankar's Perspective and Legacy
Jaishankar's account offers a unique perspective, not only on the UPSC interview process itself, but also on the broader historical context. His experience highlights the personal stories woven into the fabric of national narratives. It underscores how individual ambitions intersect with national events, shaping both personal and collective destinies.
His journey, from that UPSC interview on a day of national significance to his current position as a leading figure in Indian foreign policy, is a testament to his dedication, acumen, and unwavering commitment to public service. His account serves as a compelling reminder of the historical depth and complexity underpinning the lives of those who shape India's present and future.
The coincidence of his UPSC interview with the lifting of the Emergency adds a poignant layer to his narrative, underscoring the significance of both the personal and the national context in his successful career trajectory.
