‘Knowing why will answer all other questions'

The Hindu

08-05-2025

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.
Mr. Rao said that only empowered people would create an empowered nation and urged students to use the varied opportunities available today.
'Everyone emphasises courses and career options as per their interests and job opportunities. But students lack proper guidance and such activities like career counselling will help more students,' he said, advising students not to get under any pressure while choosing careers. 'All this happens due to lack of judgment at a younger age. Therefore, before choosing courses or career, discuss and understand the things. Interaction is also very important,' he said.
Jalaja K.R., Vice-Chancellor (Acting), Bengaluru City University, said the university was happy to create such a platform where professionals from different fields and students interacted with each other. 'We have a large gap between what we want to do, how we have to go about it, and what the industry requires. So, we need to bridge the gap in between,' she added.
The event saw a massive response from students and parents. Around 40 higher education institutions and around 1,200 students and parents participated in the event.
Medical courses
Sujatha Rathod B.L., director, Directorate of Medical Education, said last year over 25 lakh students wrote the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, even as only 1 lakh medical seats were available in the country. 'Everyone wants to be a doctor. But we also need allied health workers and students need to look at those courses as well,' she said.
Engineering courses
Sanjay R. Chitnis, Vice-Chancellor of Reva University, said that there was no need to fear AI today. 'It is common for students to use ChatGPT to do assignments. Initially, when computers were introduced in the banking sector, employees protested fearing that everyone would lose their jobs. Now, as time goes by, it is impossible to imagine a bank transaction without computers. AI will not take away your work. Instead, it will make your work smart,' he said.
'Aspirants need to make a list of good engineering colleges in Bengaluru and Karnataka and find out what courses they offer. You must find all the information about the engineering colleges,' he advised.
Speaking about CET counselling, R. Manjunath, joint controller of exams, Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), said that the authority not only conducts entrance exam for engineering courses, but also for others like BSc Agriculture, BVSc, Pharmacy, and BSc Nursing as well.
Other courses
Speaking about chartered accountancy, Manjunath M. Hallur, chairman of ICAI-Bengaluru branch, said: 'Chartered accountancy is not just about numbers, but it's about trust, responsibility and making smart decisions in the world of finance and business. CAs are the financial doctors of businesses and they are the most trusted professionals in India,' he said.
Speaking about cost management accounting, D. Abhijeet Jain, chairman, The Institute of Cost Accountants of India, Bengaluru chapter, said: 'In this competitive world, cost management is key. You can accelerate any business if we can manage costs,' he said.
Ameen-e-Mudassar, career counsellor and CEO of CIGMA India, exhorted students to learn multiple skills, upgrade themselves through online courses, and said this would help them build a great career.