Some exceptional personalities go against the tide while everyone seems to get drawn into the big, bright world of glamour and glitz; such stories motivate generations. In this article by TheHinduzone, we will discuss The Inspiring Journey of Actress-Turned-IAS Officer HS Keerthana. HS Keerthana is, as such, a child actress who shone brightly in the South Indian film industry and strangely leapt away from the silver screen to the greatest profession of serving the nation as an Indian Administrative Service officer. From acting in 32 films and 48 television shows, she made the transition to acing what is believed to be one of the toughest exams in India, the UPSC Civil Services Examination; indeed, from the land of resilience, passion, and devotion.
Beginning of HS Keerthana’s Journey
A Star in the Making HS Keerthana’s tryst with the world of acting began at a young age. As a child artist, she quickly gained popularity with her charming presence and compelling performances. She worked in several well-known Kannada films such as Karpoorada Gombe, Ganga-Yamuna, Mudina Aliya, Upendra, Circle Inspector, Door, and Janani. By the time she reached adulthood, Keerthana had already established herself as a familiar face in the South Indian entertainment industry.
HS Kirthana is a star who began to glitter brightly when she was barely 10 years old. The girl child artist matured into a teenager-to-young adult, stole the hearts of the viewers and notched up fame in terms of popularity as well as acceptance of some of the great Kannada films. All these earned her the name: Karpoorada Gombe, Ganga Yamuna, Mudina Aliya, Upendra, Circle Inspector, Door, Janani. By the time Keerthana grew, she had grown out to be known along with many of the faces in the South Indian entertainment industry.
So, out of her 32 movies and almost 50 television shows, they achieved very much, which only most aspiring actors dream about. A life filled with riches, fame, and a comfortable lifestyle was all there at the end of her acting career. But an intense desire burned inside, an unfulfilled desire, a calling to do something much more serious that could be set off for the betterment of society.
Inner Calling: The Very Essence Is a Desire to Serve
Amidst the heights of success, Keerthana still bore within her the vision of the deeper purpose that had taken root since her school days: service to the country. Unlike many people pursuing civil service as a priority career choice since high school, Keerthana determined to travel the unconventional path. She decided to turn her back on this glamorous world and pledge herself to public service.
It was not merely bold: it was revolutionary. For a person ju
dged from an achievement standpoint in this industry, it put her character to the test to glorify sacrifice and service. This was giving up fame, the financial security, and the lifestyle that successful actresses enjoy.
Step One: Karnataka Administrative Services
2011 saw her first coming into contact with the administrative service, where she attempted and cleared the KAS exam. With this act, she bound herself into a career in public service as an officer under KAS. Of course, this was a stupendous feat, but her aspirations soared even higher- she wanted to become an IAS officer, one of the august roles in the Indian bureaucratic structure.
From the KAS exam, she got a taste of the initial experience of governance that only reinforced her conviction that she could make an even bigger difference at the very top echelons of the civil services.
The Battle of UPSC Attempts and Failures
The Civil Services examination held by the Union Public Service Commission is known as one of the toughest competitive examinations in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates fight it out for the common examination. Very few make it to the final selection list. Keerthana knew that, but she also had faith in her purpose.
Her first shot at the UPS Civil Service Examination was in the year 2013. She was able to qualify for the prelims and attended the mains, but the rank did not allow a switch to the IAS cadre. At this juncture, many would have thrown in the towel. But not Keerthana.
She gave six more attempts at the examination. The first few attempts were added to new challenges of what she would, over seven years later, go on to describe as academic pressure, emotional fatigue, and burden of expectations. Failure after failure tested her mettle, but she persevered. She studied and revised, introspected, and adjusted her strategy after every failure.
The Victory of UPSC AIR 167
Keerthana obtained her degree in civil services with success at a level of April All-India Rank 167 in the year of 2020 after much labor and trouble over several years. This was a historic moment not just for her but for all who had laid their hearts on her journey. Her victory was testimony to the fact that any dream may be pursued and attained no matter the troubles. As an IAS officer, Keerthana was appointed Assistant Commissioner in Karnataka in Mandya district. The progression of her life was therefore complete-from a child artist to a bureaucrat.
From Films to National Service
Today, IAS HS Keerthana, being the Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, has to oversee the development work in rural areas, implementation of various government schemes, redress people’s grievances, and ensure the local governance system functions smoothly.
But she is different in a special way- she has brought in some degree of compassion and empathy towards her work owing to her mixed background. Heading IAS, she’s walking into a whole new territory. Her mindset is vastly different: having been a celebrity, she knows that with fame comes responsibility. It’s fresh air to have her in the administrative arena, particularly for young girls seeking role models in public service.
Life Lessons from Her Journey
There are lessons in Keerthana’s journey that would serve every aspirant or dreamer:
- New beginnings are always possible: She opted to begin a new career at a time when her career was reaching its peak. Her journey teaches that one can reinvent oneself at any stage.
- Failures Are Stepping Stones: She has failed five times in UPSC exams and did not allow any disappointment to overpower her. Every failure became her learning curve.
- It’s Discipline and Dedication: The intelligence possessed by a student will never take them to the stage of their examination; it will take consistent efforts in the UPSC exam. Her disciplined routine and focused preparation all paid off finally.
- Pursue Your Passion, Not Trends: In an age where many have the trend of coming to careers for glamor or money, Keerthana’s choosing to serve the country is indeed a great example of passion-explicit choices.
Conclusion
HS Keerthana’s progress from cinema to the government offices of Karnataka cities inspires one and emphasises that genuine success is not always about applause and limelight but making a difference, touching lives with integrity, and serving.
Her story is a great inspiration for all those UPSC aspirants who are going through self-doubt and also for those individuals who are stuck at the crossroads of their careers. Courage, perseverance, and purpose are enough to dream big and follow an unconventional path.
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