Daijiworld Media Network - Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh, Oct 31: In the quiet corners of Alladapet village in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, dreams often grew between fields of grain and hopes of good harvests. But for Banna Venkatesh, son of humble agriculturists Chandra Rao and Rohini, a different dream was taking shape — one that would one day make him one of India’s top civil servants.
Growing up amidst the simplicity and struggles of rural life, Venkatesh developed a deep sense of empathy and purpose. His early education at Keshav Reddy School and later at Sri Chaitanya Junior College reflected his academic brilliance — scoring an impressive 98.4% in his intermediate exams.
His pursuit of excellence led him to NIT Trichy, where he completed a BTech in electronics and communication engineering with an exceptional CGPA of 9.49. Alongside academics, he also represented his college cricket team, embodying balance and discipline from an early age.
After completing a summer internship at IIT Hyderabad, Venkatesh began his professional journey with Qualcomm, Chennai, working in the VLSI domain. A secure job, a steady income, and a bright future awaited him in the tech industry. Yet, he felt an emptiness — a growing desire to create change beyond the confines of an office.
In August 2021, he made a life-changing decision — he resigned from his job to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. With Geography as his optional subject and a structured approach to study, Venkatesh dedicated himself to his goal.
His hard work bore fruit in his first attempt in 2023, when he secured an All India Rank of 467, earning a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). But even as an IPS officer, his ambitions didn’t stop there. Driven by the desire to serve more directly at the grassroots level, he aimed for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Balancing the demands of an IPS officer’s schedule with UPSC preparation was no small feat. Yet, through discipline and smart preparation — especially focused on answer writing, mock tests, and constant revision — he refined his strategy.
In the UPSC CSE 2024, Venkatesh’s name appeared among the nation’s top achievers — All India Rank 15. It was a moment of pride not only for his family but for the entire district of Srikakulam.
His father, Chandra Rao, expressed immense pride in his son’s perseverance, while his mother, Rohini, called it a dream come true for their small farming family. Their joy echoed through Alladapet, where villagers celebrated the success of a boy who carried their hopes to the national stage.
For Venkatesh, success was never about power or prestige. His journey was anchored in service — to bridge the gap between rural communities and the opportunities they deserve. Having seen life’s hardships up close, he aims to work for inclusive development and ensure that policies truly reach those they’re meant for.
From the fields of Srikakulam to the corridors of the Indian bureaucracy, Banna Venkatesh’s story is one of courage, conviction, and compassion. It reminds us that where you start doesn’t define where you can go — when determination meets purpose, even the smallest seed can grow into the tallest tree.