‘Balancing Ambition and Life’: Mr Ajay Prakash, Director, GEDA
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A group of very young journalists of The School Post interviewed Mr. Ajay Prakash IAS, Director, Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA). During their interaction, Mr Prakash shared his journey to becoming an IAS officer, crediting his mother for inspiration and emphasising the importance of hard work and consistency.
Encouraging students to balance life, he advised them to limit screen time, engage in outdoor activities, and cherish real friendships. He inspired them to stay motivated and enjoy each moment. The visit provided valuable insights into renewable energy and career inspiration.
The reporting team comprised UNNATI SHAH, DITYA DESAI, KAVISH GANDHI AND SPANDAN GAJJAR – CLASS VII AND VAISHVI VAIDYA – CLASS VIII – STUDYING IN SVS ENGLISH SCHOOL, AHMEDABAD.
The discussion covered Mr Ajay Prakash’s journey to being an IAS officer, the future of EVs, and GEDA’s energy conservation efforts. He emphasized renewable energy, advised students to balance life, and inspired them to stay motivated and contribute to sustainability.
Unnati: Sir, what made you want to become an IAS officer?
Mr Prakash: You know, when you’re young, you have big dreams of changing the world. I always wanted to help people, and I thought that if I got a good job and worked hard, I could make a real difference—not just in my life but also in my city, my state, and even my country!
Unnati: That’s amazing! Who inspired you the most?
Mr Prakash: My mom! She has always been my biggest inspiration.
Unnati: Was preparing for the IAS exam really tough?
Mr Prakash: Oh yes, very tough! The most challenging part was that I didn’t have anyone to guide me. Having the right mentor makes things much easier. But I never gave up! Hard work and consistency helped me achieve my goal.
Ditya: What fun things did you do when you were a student?
Mr Prakash: I loved taking part in quizzes! I also enjoyed singing and acting in plays during annual functions. Performing on stage helped me build confidence. And for sports, I really liked playing hockey!
Ditya: That sounds so fun! What activities would you suggest for kids like us?
Mr Prakash: I’d say—spend less time on screens and more time outdoors! Try adventure activities, play sports, and make real-life friends instead of just online friends.
Ditya: You must be super busy! How do you relax?
Mr Prakash: Oh, my little daughter and my pet dog make sure I never get bored! They keep me entertained all the time.
Ditya: When did you decide to become an IAS officer?
Mr Prakash: Not very early, actually. It was just a couple of years before my exam that I seriously thought, Yes! This is what I want to do!
Vaishvi: Sir, electric vehicles (EVs) are everywhere now, but they still have issues like fires and not enough charging stations. What do you think?
Mr Prakash: That’s a great question! It’s like the classic “chicken and egg” problem—should we first make more charging stations, or should more people buy EVs? But one thing’s for sure—EVs are the future! Right now, they are expensive, but just like solar and wind energy became cheaper over time, EVs will too!
Vaishvi: What about all the waste from EV batteries and solar panels?
Mr Prakash: That’s an important issue! Scientists are working on ways to safely recycle old solar panels and batteries. Since solar panels last around 25 years, we have some time to figure out the best solutions.
Vaishvi: How do you deal with big problems in the government?
Mr Prakash: We work as a team! Every decision goes through lots of discussions, research, and feedback before it’s finalized. That way, we make sure policies are well thought out.
Vaishvi: Did you feel pressure as a kid?
Mr Prakash: Oh yes, a lot! Everyone gives advice, but the best thing you can do is listen to your heart and follow what feels right for you.
Kavish: Sir, how is GEDA using AI or IoT to improve energy use?
Mr Prakash: That’s a smart question! AI is still developing, but we are exploring how it can help us make better energy decisions.
Kavish: Can you share a success story about saving energy?
Mr Prakash: Absolutely! We replaced old fans with energy-saving ones in government schools and switched to LED bulbs. This helped save a lot on electricity bills! We hope more schools will join us in spreading awareness about energy conservation.
Kavish: Why is BEE certification important?
Mr Prakash: It’s not necessary, but having a BEE star rating ensures that a product is energy-efficient and performs well.
Kavish: Do you have any regrets from your childhood?
Mr Prakash: Yes, but regrets teach you valuable lessons. The key is to learn from them and move forward!
Spandan: How long do you work each day?
Mr Prakash: Sometimes till late evening! But since my department doesn’t handle emergencies, I don’t have to work late into the night.
Spandan: What kind of food do you eat?
Mr Prakash: I try to eat on time, but I’m not always the healthiest eater! You guys should develop good eating habits and avoid junk food.
Spandan: How do you stay motivated at work?
Mr Prakash: You have to be your own biggest motivator! I’ve worked in challenging roles where self-motivation was key. If you always rely on others for motivation, the job can become really tough.
Spandan: What’s your advice for kids like us?
Mr Prakash: Have fun, don’t stress too much, and enjoy the present moment!
Mr. Ajay Prakash’s interview offered valuable insights on perseverance, career growth, and the power of self-motivation. His advice to young students—balancing life, staying active, and cherishing the moment—along with his vision for renewable energy, left an inspiring message for their future paths in both studies and life. His inspiring journey and practical advice on balancing ambition with a fulfilling personal life left a lasting impression on these budding journalists. His insights into renewable energy and sustainable practices motivate the next generation to work hard, dream big, and care for our world.
