Success : A Journey through Experiences

" Experience is the teacher of all things " - Julius Caesar

The word "experience" takes on different meanings depending on the instances its called for. In this article, it has been defined as getting acquainted with knowledge and skill over time or encountering various situations during one's life that leaves an everlasting memory ; it could be fruitful or a nightmare" .

Every individual in this world has their own experiences to share about the ups and downs, they have faced in the so called journey;Life. Some may be amazing and motivating while some result in venting a pity face after listening to them.These experiences moulds one's personality and his views about life which in turn increases the chances of becoming successful. The bitter fact that all of us have to accept is that; Life is too short for getting hands on each and everything in this vast universe. The role of "advice" then comes into play wherein experiences are shared with another person who has not come across that kind of similar situation. We all do give and take advice: it may be our friends,peer groups,parents,siblings,elders or even from our bosses. The advice given by them is based on the outcome or effect that they have gained through experience. The important decision lying right upfront is to : "Take it or Leave it". Have you ever wondered, why recruiters always prefer experienced professionals over freshers ? The answer is simple. The errors or mistakes committed, cost of training and development will stay on the lower side. The knowledge and skill acquired over time has made them error-free and virtually perfect. By and large, the same principle is applicable in one's life. It depends on the risk appetite of the individual. If he opts to go for a ride, then he would ignore the advice and moves on. Certain people are adamant in accepting facts or things that they have not experienced and eventually lands up in trouble.
Similarly, Experience do play a vital role when taking and implementing decisions have a direct effect on others, especially pertaining to a society. These life changing decisions are taken by public servants, who strive for the benefit and well being of others.

An epitome of such a bureaucrat is Shri. M.G Rajamanickam IAS, a 2008 batch officer who currently serves as the District Collector of Ernakulam also known as The Commercial Capital of Kerala. A humble and great visionary hailing from Madurai managed to add those  three premier letters to his name through sheer determination, hard work and above all it was the right decision taken at the right time. The power hunger for becoming a civil servant (IPS Officer) came in him at the age of nine.  After completing his post graduation in M.Tech, the challenge that came in front of him was whether to focus on his exam preparation or make a living for his family as his father was about to retire. He decided to pursue his studies and cracked the Civil Service Examination with 80th rank which granted him the Indian Administrative Service, the premium management service occupied by the brightest minds of the nation. He started his innings as Assistant Collector of Thrissur and later on served as the Sub Collector of Munnar before being appointed as the Inspector General (Registration) and Director of Survey Department. In February 2014, he took charge as the District Collector of Ernakulam after heading Kannur District for a very short period of  two months, and the rest is history. He focused on the betterment of the rural roots which was neglected due to the overemphasis on urban development. The speedy land acquisitions carried out by him for the Kochi Metro project gave a further push to its progress and was awarded as  "The Best District Collector-2014". During the Chennai flood disaster, formed a voluntary group named "Anbodu Kochi" spearheaded by Rajamanickam Sir were successful in delivering essential items,clothes, water and medicines to the flood affected areas. The social-media based group very soon came up with a mission of reviving 51 ponds across the district naming it as "Ente Kulam Ernakulam" project thereby conveying a message of nature preservation  to the society with a view to overcome scarcity of water in the future. Lately, the collector had organized a camp; "Muthe Ponne" for backward students to hone their skills in various field of  arts and sports. All these initiatives helped in bringing out smile on every face which was the result of true leadership and faultless execution. The term "Civil Servant" has taken over "Bureaucrat" because common man is the master and gone are those days of command and order. As a public servant, Rajamanickam has shown justice to the society and the Commercial capital will see new face of development under his helm. An inspirational quote shared by him to the young minds at a seminar is given below.

"Be Sincere to your Dream, Be Sincere to your Work. Destiny will take you there."

Elaph Hafis