By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
Distance and decent job did not deter the determined Syed Wasif Haider from desiring to contribute to society of his home country India. Bachelor in Technology (Computer Engineering) of Aligarh Muslim University, Haider did M.S. in Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA, and got a white-collar job in Silicon Valley, California. But he remained focused on his ambitious target – India’s top civil job: IAS. And he reached the target yesterday when he cracked the Civil Services Examination 2010 while living and working in California. Haider is among 920 candidates declared successful by Union Public Service Commission.
In an exclusive interview to TwoCircles.net, Syed Wasif Haider said: “My parents have been a constant motivation. Other factors include the challenges faced in Civil services and desire to contribute to society,” when asked who inspired you to opt for the civil services.
Who will you give credit for this success?
Foremost it is Almighty’s grace. Credit also goes to my parents and teachers at OLF (Our Lady of Fatima Hr. Sec. School, Aligarh), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).
What/who inspired you to opt for civil services?
My parents have been a constant motivation. Other factors include the challenges faced in Civil services and desire to contribute to society.
How did you prepare for the civil services exam?
Dedication and hard work were the basic ingredients – they always are. But I had some special hurdles, in view of the fact that I am already working in the Silicon Valley, California for a while now. One was to keep myself from getting astray and instead stay focused and self-motivated. Second was the practical issue of squeezing time from an already busy routine (job, household stuff like cooking, etc). I made it a point to be aware of current events through Indian newspapers (e-papers) and concentrated on some core books for optional papers. I made heavy usage of the Internet.
What were your subjects in the civil services exam?
History and Public Administration.
Your education journey?
I passed X standard from Our Lady of Fatima Hr. Sec. School, Aligarh and Class XII from Senior Secondary School, A.M.U. Then I completed my B.Tech in Computer Engineering from ZHCET, AMU (2005). My last degree is M.S in Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA, which I obtained in 2008. I was Alhamd’llah always blessed with a decent performance, though not making it to IIT was a disappointment.
A little about your parents and family?
Both my parents are doctors. My father, Prof. (Dr.) Syed Javed Haider, is a graduate of K.G.M.C, Lucknow (also called CSMMU now) and served in J.N.MC, AMU for about 20 years. He is currently a Professor of Anatomy in King Khalid University, Abha, K.S.A. My mother, Dr. Naheed Rizvi, did her MBBS from Lady Hardinge Medical College,New Delhi and is a gynaecologist, working in U.P. Provincial Medical Services. My younger sister is currently pursuing MBBS from JNMC, AMU, while my younger brother is in Class X, studying in O.L.F, Aligarh.
Your native place?
My family is originally from Faizabad, U.P, though I was born and brought in Aligarh.