Jubilation is still in air, but for this Anna University graduate and state topper in civil engineering, school life reflects some bitter memories also, a little known face of education in our country. R. Karthikeyan, 21 year old Chennai resident preferred UPSC to IIT-M and cleared in 5th top position. 

 

When he was in school he tried to steal a book from library and was caught by a teacher who severely punished him. This incident, which happened when he was 12 year old, has made him to stay away from school. 

 

He commented that education system in India need a lot of improvement and most schools act like jails by beating students regularly. Being brought up in an agricultural family near Salem he always wanted to assist his father in farming and related works than doing regular homework and attending school sessions with interest. 

 

He chose civil engineering because it gives an opportunity to work in site and projects rather than regular boring office timings. His father who was a consultant at village by helping many people to dig a well and bore well with accurate measurements and skill inspired him to become an engineer in future.