Double delight: Two friends ‘race' their way into UPSC top 50
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy
(SVPNPA) in Hyderabad,
Banna Venkatesh
and
Jayasimha Reddy Ravula
, ran several races. What helped them finish these runs with ease was their common pace and banter.
It was, perhaps, these sprints that eventually saw the two Telugu men make their way into the all India top 50 list, in the
UPSC 2024 results
announced on Tuesday.
The duo hit the finish line with AIR 15 and 46 respectively.
"Banna and I are very close…I am very happy for the both of us," an elated Reddy told TOI over telephone from Mussoorie where he is on ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) attachment training. With an AIR of 104 in UPSC 2023, he joined the NPA for IPS training where he met Venkatesh whose AIR was 467.
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On Tuesday, though, both of them were toppers.
"I immediately made a video call to congratulate Banna. I miss not being at the same place today," the 26-year-old from Warangal said. This was his fifth attempt.
At the NPA campus, Venkatesh was equally thrilled. Along with his own AIR 15, Venkatesh was also elated over his friend's success. "We became good friends within a very short period of time…It is our shared vision and commitment to bringing a positive change in society that forged this strong bond. I believe this camaraderie will enhance our ability to serve effectively once we are appointed as
IAS officers
," said the 28-year-old from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh who quit his well-paying corporate job to prepare for the civil services examination. This was his third attempt.
Both said how they helped each other with preparing for the UPSC interview, discussed issues and gained from each other's varied perspective on subjects. The two even participated in attachment training at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj recently.
The Saturday runs, though, hold a special corner in their hearts. "These were 7 km, 8 km, 9 km runs for which Banna and I always teamed up. We used to run at the same pace and crack jokes along the way. Because of that we did not even realise when we finished the race," said Reddy.
Now, the son of an agriculture university professor, wants to serve the people of the state – particularly the farming community -- through this IAS posting.
Venkatesh too is hoping for a similar career trajectory. "Since IAS officers get opportunities to work across various departments—from education and welfare to health—it provides broader avenues for public service," he said, adding how he doesn't miss the corporate world he left behind. "Such a career leaves you with little personal satisfaction and does not allow you to serve your community, or society at large. In contrast, civil services provide a platform for direct public service, which is why I have chosen this career," Venkatesh rounded off.
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