After clearing TNPSC Group I exam, civil services aspirant meets her role model J. Radhakrishnan

In 2004, 30-year-old SS Jenifer decided to start researching the role and responsibility of an IAS officer after receiving her admission letter to a new school from the then Collector J. Radhakrishnan in the wake of the Kumbakonam school fire tragedy.

Twenty-two years later, on Thursday, Ms. Jenifer met the same civil servant icon at Tangedco head office after reaching a major milestone in her quest for excellence in public services.

Ms. Jenifer, who is preparing for the civil services exam with the aim of becoming an IAS officer, passed the TNPSC Group I exam this year.

While he qualified as an IAS officer after 13 years of clearing this exam, he plans to continue studying hard to become an IAS officer for the UPSC civil services exam next year through regular recruitment. He will soon start working as Deputy Director in the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department in the State.

“I decided to become an IAS officer after meeting our District Collector, Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, following the fire tragedy in my school in 2004. I was admitted to the school without paying fees, got free school books and school uniforms. Having reached this milestone 22 years after surviving the fire tragedy, I can feel the importance of the decisions taken by Dr. Radhakrishnan, who tried to make decisions after analyzing all aspects to protect our interests,” he said.

“We received psychosocial support after the fire disaster. After completing my mathematics graduation, I started preparations. [for the civil services exam] at Manithaneyam IAS Academy and various other academies including All India Civil Services Coaching Centre. Dr. Radhakrishnan advised me to appear for the UPSC civil services exam. I am determined to pass the exam next year because I have two more attempts left. I have appeared for the UPSC civil services exam seven times but have not cleared the exam so far,” said Ms. Jenifer.

The successful IAS aspirant’s meeting with the civil services icon 22 years after the inspiration struck him during a tragedy was shared on social media on Thursday.

Radhakrishnan said: “It was a privilege to meet and wish Jenifer, whose life journey reflects extraordinary courage and determination. As a young child, she witnessed the tragic Kumbakonam school fire of 2004, a harrowing incident that claimed the lives of 94 children and left an indelible mark on Tamil Nadu. Having witnessed first-hand the aftermath of this tragedy, within weeks of assuming office as Thanjavur Collector, it was particularly moving to meet her brother today.”

“Despite tremendous odds, Jenifer pursued her education with determination and purpose, successfully cleared the TNPSC Group-I examination and has now been appointed to the prestigious post of Deputy Director of Panchayats. Her story is a powerful reminder that adversity need not define one’s future. We wish her a fulfilling career in public service and every success she gives back to society through her work,” he said.

Pointing out the determination of Ms. Jenifer, who worked steadily after the tragedy, Dr. Radhakrishnan said: “[It was] It is great to interact with him and see his effort to serve the State. In parallel, I asked him to continue striving for public services. A truly feel-good meeting. Selected as AD Panchayat in Group I TNPSC – a true story of resilience. He was one of the survivors. “While 94 people lost their lives, approximately 600 people were placed in other schools.”