Beyond the Classroom: Leadership and Legacy at MCC

Recently, we had the opportunity to attend a talk by Johny Tom Varghese, an alumnus of our college and an IAS officer currently serving as the Director at the Department of Child Welfare and Special Services, Chennai, Government of Tamil Nadu. His talk, titled “How I Was Shaped as a Leader in Madras Christian College,” drew our attention instantly. Figures like him, whom we consider as successful people, naturally spark curiosity, and that curiosity isn’t limited to UPSC aspirants alone. Every word he spoke, and every gesture he made, was closely observed as we tried to understand what truly sets him apart.

His narration of his college days was well-paced and humorous. Many of the hall stories were things his juniors in the hall could readily relate to. One of the major boons of studying in MCC that he mentioned was the college timings—8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.—which leaves plenty of time for self-learning, exploration, and meeting new people. He emphasized the unique opportunities for experimenting and life experiences the college offers, which goes beyond textbook learning.

Concerning the written exam, Sir stressed the importance of making connections between the subjects given in the syllabus. For example, when you are asked about rainfalls in Karnataka, in addition to writing about rainfalls and the state in general, you should be aware of how it affects the different sectors in the state.

As for the interview stage, he reminded us that it is primarily a test of personality and not just knowledge. The panel is interested in understanding your thought process and how that would influence your decision-making in real-world situations.

Apart from UPSC preparation tips, he also shared valuable insights on character building on campus. He highlighted the importance of interactions, experimentation, and diverse experiences in shaping personality. He recommended sports to develop the right attitude towards success and failure.

Some valuable takeaways from the talk are as follows:

1. Grab opportunities when they knock; don’t always wait to schedule a meeting with your parents to seek permission.

2. Patience matters. At times, it’s important to wait for your turn with genuine interest rather than rush everything.

3. Keep at the small things. Your consistent efforts, however minor, will eventually make people remember you for the bigger things.

4. Engage with diverse perspectives. Interacting with people from different walks of life helps shape your worldview. Your personal views should be informed by the experiences and perspectives around you.

   
   

The final and perhaps most significant point he made was this: You cannot excel at something unless you step into that situation. In other words, you can’t become a leader unless you take up leadership roles.

In the spirit of honesty, I must admit that we were initially a bit skeptical when he began reading from a paper. But that reminded us of something a professor once said: “Having notes shows preparation and respect for the audience.” And indeed, the Q&A session that followed swept away all our doubts. He revealed a mind that operates with clarity and can simplify complex ideas effortlessly. And that made him stand apart from the crowd.

His justification for choosing IAS over IPS and IFS masterfully connected his personal aspirations with the opportunities offered by the service. He was also able to give reasons as to why civil services as a career option will never cease to exist as long as governments are needed. It is a responsibility that AI can never take over.