S Gopal Puri
Dharamshala: A strong mindset and unwavering commitment are the cornerstones of success, IAS officer Zaffar Iqbal told students while addressing a gathering at the Girls Government Senior Secondary School, Dharamshala, on Wednesday. He was speaking at the Udaan event organised by The Newz Radar in collaboration with Aarni University with a motive to help students in their careers.
Sharing his personal journey, the senior bureaucrat emphasised that resilience, adaptability and clear strategy can transform even repeated failures into eventual triumph.
Currently serving as Managing Director of KCC Bank and Commissioner of the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation, Iqbal spoke candidly about the long and challenging road he travelled to achieve his goal of becoming an IAS officer.
“A tough mentality is a must for achieving anything in life,” he said, urging students, especially young girls, to believe in their potential and stay focused on their aspirations despite obstacles.
Iqbal revealed that his academic and professional path was far from linear. He began his higher education in computer science, later switching to civil engineering, before facing multiple unsuccessful attempts at the civil services examination over at least four years.
Rather than being discouraged, he reassessed his approach. In the final year of his preparation, he made a decisive shift in optional subjects, choosing anthropology, a discipline that aligned more closely with his interests, along with public administration.
“What matters most is not clinging rigidly to one method, but being honest about what works for you,” he said. “I changed everything — my subjects, my strategy — but I never changed my goal.” That clarity, he added, helped him stay motivated through years of uncertainty.
His perseverance finally bore fruit in 2017, marking the culmination of sustained efforts that began in 2012. Iqbal described this success as a response to consistent hard work and self-belief, noting that “when your intent is clear and your efforts are sincere, nature responds”.
Addressing the students, he stressed the importance of planning and strategy alongside determination. According to him, talent alone is not enough; success requires continuous evaluation, adaptability and the courage to make difficult changes when needed. He encouraged the students to pursue education not just as a means to employment, but as a tool for empowerment and service.
The interaction left a strong impression on the audience, with students describing the session as motivating and relatable. School officials thanked the officer for sharing a real-life example of perseverance and discipline, saying his journey would inspire students to face challenges with confidence and clarity of purpose.
The Principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Mamta Thakur, was also present at the Udaan event. IAS Zaffar Iqbal expressed his gratitude to the school management, Aarni University, and The Newz Radar for designing such an initiative aimed at supporting students.
