The most enduring friendships are those that weather both favorable and challenging times, a fact exemplified by two friends from Kerala. Akhil V Menon and Sreekumar Raveendrakumar embarked on their UPSC journey together, supporting each other through exam preparation, and ultimately achieving success in the UPSC CSE exam simultaneously.
Akhil, a 27-year-old from Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 66, while 26-year-old Sreekumar from Balussery, Kozhikode, claimed AIR 192. Their friendship began four years ago when they discovered their mutual pursuit of UPSC. Facing initial failures in clearing prelims, they decided to pool their efforts, renting an apartment to synchronize their exam preparation.
After a hiatus due to the pandemic, during which they faced challenges in coordinating their preparation, they regrouped in 2021 with a renewed determination. Renting a flat in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, they cleared the prelims and made a concerted effort in the mains, resulting in their successful ranking.
Reflecting on their service preferences, Akhil emphasized the importance of ensuring dignity for those entering the government office they might oversee. Sreekumar, aspiring for the foreign service, plans to attempt the exam again next year. He aims to make a positive impact, especially on the lives of migrant laborers, drawing from his 13 years in the Middle East.
Their third roommate, Ajay, who played a crucial role in their success, aims to clear the prelims in the next attempt. Akhil and Sreekumar express a moral responsibility to support Ajay, who aided them with discipline and encouragement.
Offering advice to UPSC aspirants, the duo likened the exam to a marathon, emphasizing the need for mental resilience during the extended preparation phase. They encouraged aspirants to embrace failures gracefully, learn from mistakes, and persist in their pursuit of success.
