‘Knowing why will answer all other questions’

Sachin B.., who secured All India Rank (AIR) 41 in the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam - 2024, said: “Knowing why you want to do anything, will answer the how, what, when, and other questions”. 

Sachin B.., who secured All India Rank (AIR) 41 in the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam - 2024, said: “Knowing why you want to do anything, will answer the how, what, when, and other questions”. 

He was speaking at the 23rd edition of The Hindu EducationPlus Career Counselling-2025 session, held at Jnanajothi auditorium of Bengaluru Central University on Thursday.

Though a doctor by training, he said that becoming an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer was a childhood dream, and what inspired him was a Deputy Commissioner in Maharashtra who was using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare to solve issues like malnutrition and public health. 

He gave a “panchajanya” (five commandments) formulation to all students: realise the importance of building a study ecosystem; always think in terms of what is the current skill set and what is needed to get the job done; hard work is overrated and clarity is underrated; consistency is the only magical wand a student can have and from that alone comes learning even from failures, and a smart timetable that helps think systematically, plan ahead and execute plans in a time-bound manner.

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes but never repeat them. The audacity of ambition alone gives thrill in life,” he said. 

Dr. Sachin also said reading The Hindu had been a childhood habit.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao, in his inaugural address, also praised The Hindu as “one of the few papers that tells the truth” and said the newspaper had a great legacy in Indian history.