Kailashahar, Oct 1: What happens when young students get an opportunity to sit across from two women IAS officers and talk not just about careers, but also about life, challenges, choices and aspirations? The answer unfolded at the District Library in Kailashahar, where the third episode of ‘Unakoti Talks’ brought students face-to-face with two civil servants in an engaging and candid interaction.
The session featured Chandni Chandran, District Magistrate and Collector of North Tripura, and Megha Jain, District Magistrate of Unakoti, who interacted with students and shared insights from their journeys in public service. Rather than being a conventional career-guidance session, the conversation created an informal space where students could ask questions, exchange ideas and gain a closer understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with public service.
The initiative, launched by the DM of Unakoti, is designed to provide students with regular exposure to diverse career pathways and real-life experiences. Held every Thursday, the programme seeks to take guidance beyond textbooks and classrooms, helping young minds understand the possibilities available to them while encouraging them to dream with greater confidence.
The third episode placed a special focus on women navigating the world of public service. With an all-female student audience, the interaction offered an opportunity to discuss what it means to pursue a demanding career while negotiating expectations, challenges and responsibilities.
The conversation also moved beyond designations and official responsibilities. The two officers spoke candidly, mixed serious reflections with lighter moments and shared personal anecdotes from their experiences. Laughter and spontaneous exchanges made the interaction particularly relatable, allowing the students to see the people behind the administrative positions.
From the realities of civil services to the importance of perseverance, career choices and personal growth, the discussion offered students perspectives that are rarely available within the conventional classroom setting.
For the young participants, the interaction was also a reminder that successful careers are shaped not only by academic achievement but by curiosity, resilience, confidence and the willingness to learn from experiences.
‘Unakoti Talks’ is gradually creating a distinctive platform where students can listen, question and connect with people from different walks of life. Its strength lies in making career guidance less formal and more conversational—allowing students to learn through stories, experiences and honest exchanges.
The initiative carries a simple but powerful message: sometimes, the most inspiring lessons do not come from a textbook or a lecture. They come from a conversation. And at Unakoti Talks, those conversations are helping young minds imagine what they can become.
In a quick chat with Tripura Tribune, the North Tripura District Magistrate said, “Students in Tripura have so much talent but lack of exposure is hurdle for them to reach their true potential. So, this is an initiative to bridge that gap. An excellent initiative by DM Unakoti, Ms Megha Jain IAS. I was fortunate to be a part of it.”