Hello Arpita, Greetings! First, can you tell us about yourself? Your native place and family background.      

Hi, I am from Berinag, a town near Chaukori. My father worked in the paramilitary force and retired. My mother is a teacher in a government junior high school. I have a brother who is working with a pharmaceutical company. Now I am based in Haldwani. 

Tell us about your education. 

I passed intermediate from Himalayan Inter College (HIC), Chaukori in 2015. I did my bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Govind Ballabh Panth university, Panth Nagar in 2019. I did an Internship at DRDO(Pithoragarh) and RUSAN pharma (Dehradun). I would like to go for higher studies and pursue research.  

That’s interesting. What are you doing at present? 

Currently I am doing an MA in Anthropology. Simultaneously, I am preparing for tests to get into government jobs based in Uttarakhand. I am also taking other related competitive exams. 

What attracts you to government services? 

Becoming a government civil servant is one effective way to make a contribution to the hill communities.  It allows for a close interaction with the people at grass roots and involvement in the administrative affairs.

How did you become interested in social service? Did you work with any organizations before? And what is your work experience like? 

I worked with CHETNA (Child Enhancement through Training and Action) for 3 years when I was in college. It is an NGO which empowers children and  women. We went from door to door surveying their status and conducting meetings to tell them about their legal rights. 

What do you like about living in a hill country? And what does a city offer? 

In the hills nature is at its best with a peaceful and pleasant environment and greenery all around.

Urban areas provide facilities like coaching centers, educational institutions and job opportunities. 

What are the challenges faced by the hill communities? 

Lack of good colleges for higher education and coaching centres that prepare students for competitive exams, lack of employment opportunities, lack of a proper healthcare system, and lack of a good transportation system and roads.

How would you like to contribute to the betterment of your native village / area?

Encouraging and mentoring the village youth.

Counseling them to pursue a secondary and university education.

Guiding them in planning and realizing their future career goals.

How do you relax? Your favourite book or movie? 

Reading and listening. I like “3 Idiots” book and “The Lord of the Rings” movie. 

And favourite Music and Musicians? 

Darshan Raval, AR Rahman , Martin Garrix, Troye Sivan and many more.

Your advice to the current HIC students?

Be a good person first. Work hard and study well so that you can inspire others to help them become their best. 

Thank you very much and all the best, Arpita. 

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To contact Arpita Rawat:

Email: arpitarawat49@gmail.com

Phone No. 9045080430