- How did your journey as a writer begin? What inspired you to start writing?
Author:_ My journey as a writer began not with the desire to publish a book, but with the urge to make sense of the struggles I witnessed around me. As someone deeply engaged with the world of civil services—whether through aspirants preparing for the exams or officers navigating the system—I often saw how ambition, though noble in its intent, could become a double-edged sword. It inspired people to dream big, but at the same time, it tested their values, their patience, and sometimes even their integrity.
I started writing as a way to reflect on these contradictions. Initially, it was just notes, observations, and personal reflections on the ethical dilemmas that aspirants and civil servants face. Over time, these scattered thoughts began to take shape as a narrative. I realized that the story of ambition in civil services was not just about success or failure—it was about the uncivil struggles that accompany the pursuit of power, recognition, and service.
What truly inspired me was the courage of individuals who chose integrity over shortcuts, and the quiet battles they fought against systemic pressures. I wanted to capture that spirit, to show that ambition is not inherently wrong, but it must be guided by ethics if it is to serve society meaningfully. Writing became my way of holding up a mirror to these realities, and my book The Ethics of Ambition: Civil Services, Uncivil Struggles is the culmination of that journey.
In essence, I began writing because I felt a responsibility to document the moral crossroads of ambition—so that aspirants, officers, and even ordinary readers could pause and reflect on what it truly means to serve.
- What genres, themes, or subjects do you prefer to write about, and why?
Author:_ I have always been drawn to writing that explores the intersection of ethics, ambition, and human struggle. My preferred genre is non-fiction with a philosophical and socio-political lens, because it allows me to engage directly with the realities of society while also questioning the moral frameworks that guide us.
Themes such as ambition, integrity, and the civil services system fascinate me because they are not just abstract ideas—they are lived experiences that shape individuals and nations. I write about the struggles of aspirants, the dilemmas of officers, and the systemic challenges of bureaucracy because these stories reveal the deeper conflict between personal ambition and public duty.
Beyond civil services, I am also interested in subjects that highlight resilience, values, and the pursuit of purpose. Whether it is through essays, reflections, or narratives, I prefer to write about the human spirit confronting adversity. My aim is not only to document these struggles but to inspire readers to pause, reflect, and ask themselves: What does it mean to succeed ethically?
In short, I write about ambition, ethics, and service because these are the themes that define our collective journey—and because I believe literature should provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and encourage integrity in action
- Was there a particular book, author, or incident that influenced your decision to write?
Author:__ My decision to write was shaped by both books and real-life experiences. Philosophical works like E. F. Schumacher’s Small is Beautiful and the writings of Mahatma Gandhi deeply influenced me, reminding me that true success must be rooted in ethics and service. These authors showed me how literature can act as a moral compass, guiding individuals toward meaningful choices.
At the same time, incidents I witnessed in the civil services world left a lasting impression. I saw aspirants battling not only exams but also inner conflicts—questions of integrity, compromise, and resilience. I observed officers standing firm against systemic pressures, while others struggled when ambition overshadowed values.
Together, these influences convinced me that writing was necessary. My book became a way to capture both the wisdom of thinkers and the raw truth of human struggles with ambition and ethics
- What challenges or obstacles have you faced in your writing journey, and how did you overcome them?
Author:_ Writing The Ethics of Ambition: Civil Services, Uncivil Struggles was both rewarding and demanding. One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing clarity with depth—civil services is a complex subject, and I wanted my words to remain accessible without losing the richness of its ethical dilemmas. Discipline was another obstacle. There were moments of fatigue, self-doubt, and the fear that my writing might not fully capture the struggles I had witnessed.
Time constraints and professional responsibilities also tested my persistence. I overcame these by setting small milestones, maintaining a routine, and constantly reminding myself of the larger purpose: to provoke reflection among readers. Most importantly, I relied on patience and integrity. Just as my book emphasizes ethics in ambition, I tried to embody those values in the writing process itself. That commitment gave me the strength to finish the journey despite the obstacles
- Can you recall a memorable moment or incident related to your writing that deeply impacted you?
Author:__ One of the most memorable moments in my writing journey came when I shared an early draft of my book with a friend who had once been a civil services aspirant. After reading a few chapters, he told me, ‘This is exactly what I went through, but I never had the words to explain it.’ That simple remark deeply impacted me—it reassured me that my writing was giving voice to struggles that many silently endure.
Another unforgettable moment was during a late night of writing, when I revisited the story of an officer who chose integrity over convenience. I felt an overwhelming sense of emotion, realizing that these were not just professional dilemmas but profoundly human battles. That realization gave me renewed purpose: my book had to honor these voices and inspire readers to reflect on their own choices
- What message, thought, or emotion do you try to convey through your books or poems?
Author:_ Through my books, I try to convey the message that ambition must always be balanced with ethics. Success, in my view, is not defined by titles or achievements alone, but by the integrity with which it is pursued. I want readers to reflect on the choices they make, to recognize that every ambition carries a responsibility toward society.
The thought I emphasize is that civil services—or any profession—is not just about personal accomplishment, but about service and accountability. Emotionally, I aim to capture both the struggles and the quiet courage of those who choose the harder, ethical path. My hope is that readers feel empathy, admiration, and a renewed sense of purpose. Ultimately, my writing is a call to pursue ambition with conscience, reminding us that true greatness lies in service guided by values
- Which of your writings is closest to your heart, and why?
Author:__ Of all my writings, The Ethics of Ambition: Civil Services, Uncivil Struggles is closest to my heart. This book is not just a collection of ideas—it is a reflection of years of observation and lived experiences. Each chapter carries the weight of real dilemmas I have seen: the resilience of aspirants, the moral crossroads faced by officers, and the systemic challenges that test integrity.
What makes it so personal is that writing it was both an intellectual and emotional journey. I often found myself reliving the silent battles of those who chose ethics over shortcuts, and I felt a responsibility to honour their courage. This book is closest to me because it represents my most honest conversation with society—a call to balance ambition with conscience and to redefine success through integrity
- If you had to describe your identity as a writer in one line or belief, what would it be?
Author: As a writer, I see myself as a mirror, reflecting society’s ambitions and its moral crossroads.”
“I write to help minds remember their power, their clarity, and their forgotten discipline.”
“My identity as a writer is rooted in one belief: ambition must serve integrity, not overshadow it.”
“I write to explore the eternal tension between ambition and ethics, and to seek meaning in that struggle.”
- How do you see yourself evolving as a writer in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or genres you wish to explore?
Author:_ “I see myself evolving as a writer by blending philosophy with storytelling, making complex ideas more relatable and accessible. My journey with The Ethics of Ambition: Civil Services, Uncivil Struggles taught me that readers connect most deeply when writing provokes reflection while also engaging emotionally. In the future, I want to explore genres that combine non-fiction with narrative, where ethical questions are woven into human stories.
Currently, I am working on a technical book focused on AI, Automation, Power BI and DAX formulas, which reflects my analytical side. At the same time, I am drawn toward creative writing, particularly a novel cantered on UPSC aspirants, where ambition, sacrifice, and identity unfold in a more narrative form. My goal is to evolve into a writer who can inspire reflection across disciplines—whether through professional guides, ethical explorations, or aspirant stories that capture the human spirit.”
- What advice or message would you like to give to aspiring writers or readers?
Author:__ My advice to aspiring writers is simple: write with honesty, patience, and purpose. Don’t chase perfection in your first draft—chase truth. Writing is not about producing flawless sentences immediately; it is about capturing the essence of what you believe, and then refining it with persistence. Every writer faces self-doubt, but the key is to keep moving forward, one page at a time.
To readers, my message is to approach books not just as stories or information, but as conversations. A book is a mirror—it reflects your own thoughts and challenges you to see differently. Read with openness, question what you encounter, and let the words provoke reflection.
Ultimately, whether you are writing or reading, remember that literature is not just about knowledge—it is about transformation. If a book makes you pause, reflect, or rethink even one choice in life, then it has served its purpose.