Stories have the power to motivate and inspire others
Nitin Pratap Singh
Author, Writer & Poet
Astt.Commandant ITBP
From a small village in Uttar Pradesh to securing a prestigious rank in the UPSC CAPF exam, your journey is truly inspiring. Can you share the key challenges you faced along the way?
Life of a human being is analogue in nature in which ups and downs are as natural as propagation of a sinusoidal waves occurs. Therefore, I am not an exception for the same and my success story is also satisfied the function of sinusoidal wave. I belong to a middle-class family and live in a remote village, Nagaria Nijampiur of Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. My father is retired from teaching and my mother is working as Anganwadi Karyakatri under the central scheme of ICDS of government of India. Resources in my village was not adequate to access good schooling in my time, even this problem persists still in many villages like of mine. During my time there very were limited resources, financial constraint, language barriers, high social expectations list goes on. But due to father’s teaching background, I could able to avail some good privileges like getting the information about Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya at right time and prepared for the same and luckily got selected there. Although it was just a first step towards my unclear goal but that took and guided me to reach the desired destination.
How did your upbringing and educational background in Shahjahanpur and NIT Silchar shape your aspirations and career path?
My father’s and mother’s educational background shaped my initial childhood in a great and balanced way. During school time Navodaya gave me a platform to develope new learning skills and to improve my communication skills. Thereafter, I met with like minded people in college coming from different backgrounds and regions as well. I learnt a lot from all of them and tried inculcate in my life journey.
You have excelled in various fields, from engineering to poetry and public service. How do you manage to balance these diverse roles?
Balancing multiple roles requires effort, dedication, and self-awareness. By prioritizing and managing your time effectively, one can excel in various fields and lead a fulfilling life
I used to balance my affairs on working some following point :-
n I used to establish priorities and objectives for my each assigned task/role.
n I do allocate time accordingly for each role, ensuring sufficient dedication to each as per their priorities
n I used to use tools like calendars, to-do lists to organize my work.
n In the mean time i also make time for activities that bring joy and relaxation.
n My friend circle is very healthy they understand and support my diverse pursuits.
n I think learning is a continuous therefore i used to embrace new skills and knowledge to enhance my performance.
n I always prefer flexibility. I put a column of adaptability and openness in my all tasks to keep balance as circumstances change.
Can you tell us about the motivation behind your decision to prepare for the UPSC CAPF exam without any formal coaching?
By knowing that self-preparation can be challenging, but with persistence and hard work, it became possible to achieve success. There were few strong reasons to prepare without coaching. I was confident enough on my ability to self-study and prepare. There were also some limitations on budget for coaching classes. Therefore i preferred for self-paced learning and flexible study schedules. I worked hard to find and utilize online resources, study materials, and mock tests. I was fully determined to succeed without external support.
Indeed, preparing for the UPSC CAPF exam without formal coaching requires discipline, dedication, and strategic planning. But it is possible if some one is really devoted towards his/her studies.
As an Assistant Commandant in the Indo Tibetan Border Police Force, what are some of the most challenging aspects of your role?
Role of an Assistant Commandant in ITBP is challenging but yet rewarding as well. Some of the most important role are as follows :-
Border Guarding: You will be responsible for guarding the Indo-China border, which stretches over 3,488 km. This requires constant vigilance and strategic planning to ensure the security of the border.
Harsh Terrain: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force operates in some of the most challenging terrains, including high-altitude mountains and harsh weather conditions. This demands physical and mental toughness.
Counter-Terrorist Operations: As an Assistant Commandant, you may be involved in counter-terrorist operations, which require strategic planning, quick thinking, and effective execution.
Law and Order: You will also be responsible for maintaining law and order in the region, which can be challenging given the diverse population and terrain.
Leadership: As a leader, you will need to motivate and guide your team, making tough decisions when necessary, and ensuring the effective execution of operations.
Remember, these challenges also come with immense responsibility and opportunities for growth. You’re making a significant contribution to the country’s security and development.
How has your experience in the ITBP and your posting in Srinagar, J&K, influenced your perspective on national security and public service?
I recently got posted there therefore it’s very early to say much or to build a perception regarding national security due to lack of experience. But, yes i will say that security scenario of J&K is entirely different from rest of the India.
You’ve authored three books and frequently perform at open mic poetry events. How does writing and storytelling complement your professional life?
Writing and storytelling complements my professional life in numerous ways. Sharing stories makes me more human and relatable, allowing others to connect with you on a personal level. Storytelling engages my audience, whether in a meeting or during a presentation, making your message more memorable.
Stories have the power to motivate and inspire others, which can be particularly useful if you are leading a team or mentoring others. People remember stories better than facts and figures, so storytelling makes me a way to build my message more impactful. In addition, writing and storytelling helps me in processing my experiences, gain new insights, and develop critical thinking skills.
What inspired you to take up poetry and writing? Do you have any favorite themes or topics you like to explore in your work?
Los Angeles-based poet and writer, Amanda Gorman, said that she started writing poetry because she was trying to make sense of her own world. She says that writing is a way to make sense of things and to make things make sense.
In my opinion many people take up poetry and writing as a way to express themselves, to tell their story, to share their perspective, or to process their emotions. I used to prefer write on Identity, Social justice, Love, Loss, Nature, Hope.
Ultimately i would say that the inspiration to take up poetry and writing, and the themes or topics that are explored, are unique to each individual.
Your first book was published while you were still in college. What was that experience like, and how did it influence your future writing endeavors?
That was really a proud moment for me to become a published author at an age of 20. My batch mates appreciated my efforts and they used to praise about my writing skills. My family felt immense proud when i told them about my book. All family, friends and relatives extended their gratitude and respect for my work. Their motivation and support influenced me a lot to keep continue my writing skills.
In your opinion, what qualities are essential for someone preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC?
I would like to tell that before preparing for any competitive examination, one should know about his/her caliber of getting something desired results. Sometimes people trapped themselves in preparing for those competitive examinations for which they are mentally not capable or their intellectual acumen is not suitable. After recognizing your capacities and abilities one should focus on their determination, devotion, discipline and hard work. I always use to say that if someone is fairly motivated and dedicated then discipline will take of itself.
Once you will sort out yourself on above lines then believe me you taste the fruits of success.
You have also taken interviews of notable personalities like Shri Abhyanand, IPS. What insights have you gained from interacting with such influential figures?
His generosity and humbleness made me realize that simplicity is the ultimate sophisticated. Infact his valuable experiences regarding belt forces inspired me a lot to join force.
Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to young aspirants who are preparing for competitive exams or seeking to pursue a career in public service?
Looking back on my journey, I would advise young aspirants preparing for competitive exams or pursuing a career in public service to:
Stay focused and motivated, remind yourself why you started and keep your goals in mind Develop a study routine, create a schedule and stick to it, making sure to take breaks and practice self-care. Seek guidance and reach out to mentors, teachers, or professionals in your desired field for advice and support.
Build a strong foundation and focus on understanding concepts and developing problem-solving skills. Keep yourself informed about current events and developments in your field. Attend seminars, workshops, and events to connect with like-minded individuals and professionals.
Embrace challenges and view failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Take care of your physical and mental health to maintain your energy and focus. At the end i will say that always remember, success is a journey, and persistence, hard work, and dedication are keys of that.
