Smart work rather than hard work behind success: Kerala topper Shikha Surendran

KOCHI: “Smart work rather than hard work has helped me," says Civil Services Kerala topper Shikha Surendran. Addressing a meet-the-press programme organised by Ernakulam Press Club on Saturday, she said she followed a method by learning only the important portions in the syllabus which are required for the examination.

“I have several friends who worked hard and studied portions in depth than me. But their method was not much examination oriented. Though they gathered more knowledge on the topic, I learnt only that portions required for examination,” she said while terming it as smart work.

Mr Surendran said the habit of newspaper reading and analysing news and reports helped her much in achieving success. “Earlier I used to read newspapers just to know what is happening in the world. But after starting preparation for UPSC examination, I started assessing reports and prepared notes,” she added.

Ms Surendran, who attended a training course for four months in a centre in New Delhi, later continued her studies at home.

Responding to queries, the 16th rank holder at the national level, said that her dream is to contribute something for the empowerment of women. The girl from Vadayambadi near Kolenchery added that her parents are her motivators and role models.