Do not write competitive exams with the bad intention or aim of enjoying power or making money. There are many other ways to earn money. Study with the determination to achieve your dream and goal, leaving aside money and power,” advised District Commissioner M.R. Ravi.
He was speaking after inaugurating a free workshop on competitive exam training organized by the District Administration and IPS Officer D. Devaraj’s DMR Foundation on Saturday at T. Chennayya Rangamandira in the city.
Do not hold the mindset that because you are from a village, poor, or from a small community, you cannot achieve. How many hours you study is not important; what you study is important. You must cultivate consistency,” he said.
The UPSC exam is completely different from a university exam. Develop a passion for reading and writing. You need willpower, commitment, sacrifice, dedication, discipline, and preparation. Do not feel inferior or hesitate. Also, do not have the false belief that you must be a genius to write the exam. Read the newspaper daily,” he advised.
DCP Devaraj is an ideal example, having started this organization to do something for the youth of his native place. In the name of his parents, to repay the debt of his birthplace, he has established this institution and contributed many talents to the state and the country. This is commendable,” he added.
Bengaluru East DCP D. Devaraj said, “There is no personal desire or ambition behind the establishment of this organization. For talented poor students, Bengaluru is expensive for preparing and training for competitive exams — travel, food, and accommodation are difficult. That’s why DMR Foundation was set up in Kolar in the name of my parents. Many who trained in our institution have successfully cleared several competitive exams. Sugatoor’s Dharani, for example, faced the UPSC interview in her very first attempt.”
District Superintendent of Police Nikhil B. said, “Any competitive exam is not like a T20 match; it’s like a Test match. Patience and time management are very important.”
No one can become a superstar overnight. Progress requires consistent effort every day. Mindset is very important, along with greater emphasis on preparation and planning. First, understand the exam,” he stressed.
Resource person Raghavendra Rao appreciated DCP Devaraj’s social concern for building the DMR Foundation for the people of Kolar.
Madhu, who secured the 522nd rank in the IAS exam; Jayasurya and Kiran, who were selected for the Sub-Inspector post; and retired principal Balakrishna of the Government Girls Junior College in the city were felicitated.
Advocate K.V. Shankarappa, Sahyadri College President M. Uday Kumar, journalist V. Muniraju, District Co-operative Union’s Moorandahalli E. Gopalappa, Dr. Aravind of Vamshodaya Hospital, Dr. Shankar, Dr. Beeregowda, Veda, Senior Assistant Director of the Agriculture Department Parameshwar, Associate Professor Arivu Shivappa, leader Pandit Munivenkatappa, teachers, parents, and students were present.

Students attending the competitive exam training workshop
Success through newspapers
All the knowledge of the world is available in newspapers. Therefore, reading newspapers daily leads to success. For just seven or eight rupees, you can gain knowledge in various subjects such as foreign affairs, domestic affairs, trade, sports, and science. Reading editorials broadens your understanding — note down key points in one place,” advised District Superintendent of Police Nikhil B.
Parents giving their children books and newspapers helps build a fortress of knowledge — and such a fortress can never be breached,” he added.
Notable quotes:
- D. Devaraj, IPS Officer: “Those who do not know history cannot create history. Without paying attention to criticism and comments, if you prepare with a positive mindset and thoughts, any achievement is possible.”
- M.R. Ravi, District Commissioner: “Do not have the illusion that becoming an IAS or IPS officer will allow you to do anything. Do not prepare with too many expectations. No one will roll out the red carpet for you. Come out of illusions.”
- Nikhil B., District Superintendent of Police: “Seeing Devaraj’s style made me want to become a police officer. After becoming an IPS officer, I met him. Now I am the SP in his own hometown.”