Empowering Students: Udaan Career Awareness Initiative Launched in Kangra
Udaan Initiative at Government Senior Secondary School
Kumkum Mataik
Kangra: On Monday, a career-awareness program titled ‘Udaan: Discover Your Direction’ was conducted at the Government Senior Secondary School in Rait (Shahpur), Kangra district. This initiative is a collaboration with Aarni University, aimed at guiding students through the complexities of career choices in today's dynamic job landscape.
The event attracted nearly 200 students who participated in discussions focused on career clarity, emerging job opportunities, and the significance of skill-based planning. Dr. Pankaj Balouria, the vice-principal of the school, emphasized the increasing necessity for structured career counseling, noting that informed guidance at the school level can empower students to make confident and realistic decisions about their futures.
Divya Yadav, an IAS officer from the 2024 batch, served as the chief guest. Originally from Narmadapuram in Madhya Pradesh, she is currently undergoing district training in Kangra. Sharing her personal journey, she recounted her educational background, including a BTech in Electrical Engineering from NIT-Bhopal, her tenure at Reliance Industries in Surat, and her success in clearing the UPSC examination on her fourth attempt.
During her address, Divya Yadav highlighted that success is not limited to civil services. She stated, “Numerous opportunities exist across various fields, and every profession holds value when pursued with dedication.” She illustrated her point by referencing the role of scientists and biology professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing their critical contributions to understanding and combating diseases.
Yadav elaborated on different academic streams, detailing the nature of work and opportunities within each. She encouraged students to select careers based on their interests and hard work rather than societal expectations. She asserted that no profession is insignificant, as every field can make a meaningful impact when approached with integrity and commitment.
She also advised students to prioritize their health, maintain discipline, and focus by adhering to a balanced daily routine, assuring them that teachers are always available for guidance. For those aspiring to take the UPSC exam, she stressed the importance of staying informed about current affairs, regularly reading newspapers, analyzing the UPSC syllabus, reviewing past exam questions, and committing to consistent self-study.
Reflecting on her preparation experience in Bhopal, she discussed how reading newspapers, studying according to the syllabus, and taking mock tests significantly improved her time management, confidence, and exam readiness. She encouraged students interested in sports to engage actively during their school years, as sports enhance both physical fitness and mental health.
Yadav urged students to take their subjects seriously, avoid unnecessary stress, and maintain a healthy balance between academics and well-being. She pointed out that awareness of current events and a solid understanding of NCERT textbooks are crucial, as many competitive exam questions are based on foundational concepts taught in school. She concluded by stating that effective planning and discipline can enable students to balance UPSC preparation with their college studies.
Sunil Chadha, Executive Editor, remarked that the Udaan initiative aims to assist young individuals in recognizing their strengths, exploring unconventional career paths, and making timely, informed decisions. “Udaan empowers youth with awareness, adaptability, and confidence—qualities essential for success today,” he stated.
Since its inception in 2022, the organization has combined research-driven journalism with community-focused initiatives, such as the TNR-Shining Star Awards and the Dharamshala Spring Carnival, to promote local culture and tourism. With Udaan, the organization is broadening its social outreach to include structured career guidance, with plans to extend the program to more schools across Himachal Pradesh in the near future, Chadha added.