The Dr Ambedkar Centre of Excellence (DACE) and the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) at the Central University of Tamil Nadu, both initiatives under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, organized a special Guidance Talk for stakeholders on competitive exam preparation on 21 February 2025. The event aimed to provide insights and motivation to students preparing for competitive exams.
The session was delivered by Shri. D. Balanagendran IIS, Assistant Director cum Vigilance Officer at the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. During his insightful guidance talk, Shri. Balanagendran praised CUTN and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for their successful implementation of DACE and SEED centres. “These initiatives are playing a crucial role in helping socially and economically disadvantaged communities prepare for and clear the civil services exams.”
He emphasized that perseverance and smart work are the keys to unlocking success at the UPSC. Balanagendran further advised aspiring candidates to focus on one clear goal, whether it is IAS, IFS, or TNPSC Group I, and to give it their utmost dedication. He redefined the acronym IAS, suggesting that for aspirants, it stands for 'Intensity, Awareness, and Success,' rather than simply 'Indian Administrative Service. Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Balanagendran shared his experience as a visually challenged individual, noting how early challenges such as the lack of audio study materials made exam preparation difficult. Despite these obstacles, he was inspired by a teacher who motivated him to pursue civil services, recognizing it as a powerful means of serving society and assisting those in need.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. R. Thirumurugan, Registrar of CUTN, who delivered the presidential address, highlighting the importance of academic empowerment for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In addition to the guidance talk, the event also celebrated Matribhasha Diwas 2025, emphasizing the significance of mother tongue in education and cultural preservation. The celebration highlighted the role of language in fostering communication, learning, and personal development.
The event was organised by Prof. A. Selvam, Nodal Officer of DACE and SEED, along with Dr. G. Velumani, Coordinator of DACE, and Dr. P. Boopathi, Coordinator of SEED. This session is part of the ongoing efforts of DACE and SEED to provide mentorship and resources to students from the Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), facilitating their access to education and employment opportunities.