Won't give up RTI activism: UPSC topper

New Delhi: A 26-year-old doctor from Jammu and Kashmir, Shah Faisal has topped this year's IAS exams. Faisal’s story is a tale of triumph over all odds.

The UPSC exams topper spoke to CNN-IBN

CNN-IBN: After the huge welcome back home, Shah how does it feel?

Shah Faisal: Thank you very much, it really feels special, in fact, seeing the reaction of the people, I am simply overwhelmed.

CNN-IBN:What is your message to the entire nation, as you defied all the odds and proved it's possible from Kashmir as well?

Shah Faisal: My message to the people, in particular to the youth of the nation is that nothing is really difficult and we all have to taken an initiative to think about the betterment of our country.

CNN-IBN:You have been fairly active in working as an RTI activist, is there a particular government that you would see yourself wanting to work in?

Shah Faisal: I think we all have to admit that the RTI is an important tool of good governance and being an RTI activist, I believe that I won't be giving up RTI activism although being in the civil services. In fact, I feel that this the opportunity that I take the RTI activism across the table as an administrator and strengthen the roots of RTI in J-K.

CNN-IBN:What would be your big dream for Kashmir as an administrator?

Shah Faisal: All we can think of at this moment is about peace. I believe that if Kashmiris need anything -- it's peace, since the people have lot of expectations from the government as an agent of change and guarantor of peace, and myself being a part of the government, I'll definitely be trying my bit on that regard.

CNN-IBN: We have heard about how your father was killed. The first call you made when you found out about your results was your mother. It must have been certainly very difficult to achieve this despite all that you have seen in the last few years?

Shah Faisal: Definitely, with a feeling of disbelief I called my mother and told her that I feel I have topped the civil services exam as I see my name serial number 1. But then knowing the problems that I have faced through my life and the background that I have come from, it was quite difficult, In fact, the feeling wasn't sinking in. But then after 24 hours, I feel that it has really happened.

CNN-IBN: Any hot tips for those who are trying their luck with this exam next year?

Shah Faisal: I just believe that you need to exercise your creativity and have to have a diverse knowledge bank inside you. UPSC doesn't want bookish knowledge, it wants something creative from you, it wants ingenuity and I believe that you don't have to let go, if you have attempts just go on, if you don't have it, never mind you have better services and better options waiting for you.

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