Mystory@B K Hemanth Rao: How I chose my course and career path

One of my close friend advised me about taking admission in National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) for PGDRDM. This one year PG Diploma in Rural Development Management consists of a vast and rigorous syllabus giving opportunity for effective learning. NIRD is located near Rajendranagar near Hyderabad.

How I cracked college admission

NIRD conducts entrance exams twice a year for admissions. The test consists of Aptitude, Reasoning, English for 100 marks and essay writing for 20 marks. It does not require specific preparation (if you have an idea about bank entrance exams).

After cracking the written exam, they called me for group discussion and final interview. In the interview, they observe your passion for this sector rather than your necessity because you can only survive in rural development field if you have passion for the rural sector. So, it was easy for me to crack all the barriers and I got selected among the 35 students.

My college life

NIRD gave me lots of opportunities to learn from my classmates and at the same time from field work as well. It’s one of the best institutes which provides you broad knowledge on rural India and different government schemes for rural people along with 100% placement opportunities to work in rural areas.

The NIRD campus is full of greenery and cool environment which is 90-95% pollution free. It’s friendly and healthy environment gave me the best moments of my life. I spent more of my time in classes and in field work because I never wanted to lose an opportunity like this. Many a time I used to get tired of attending classes but still it always amounted to new learnings. So, there was no option to bunk classes. Hostel food and accommodation is awesome with free WiFi facility. I loved to move around the campus on Sundays and enjoyed doing photography. Actually, if you have an SLR camera, you won't like to miss capturing the surroundings and I have lots of beautiful memories captured on my camera.

Why Rural Development course

I graduated in Agriculture Engineering from Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHIATS) and got placed in Mahindra Swaraj Tractors. But the marketing work was very hectic and troublesome. As I was dedicated to work in a peaceful environment, I later applied for off campus placement in Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN) and got selected for an apprenticeship. It provided me an opportunity to know the grassroot facts of rural India in extreme naxal affected areas. It was then that I was inspired to work for the rural people. It was very painful to see far flung villages which are still undeveloped and without basic facilities. I resigned from PRADAN and searched for the rural development course so that I could learn more of how to practically impact the development of villages by working at the grassroots to make a difference.

About the Author

I am a post graduate in rural development management from NIRD, presently working with DDU-GKY project for IL&FS as a management trainee. My hobbies are photography, playing with kids and traveling.