Dr Renu Raj, who secured second rank in the UPSC Civil Services Exam, is a medical doctor with ESI. After graduating from Medical College in Kottayam in 2013, Raj, a native of Changanassery in Kerala, went to civil service coaching at government-run Kerala Civil Service Academy. Her husband H L Bhagath is also a doctor pursuing higher studies in Mangalore.
“Civil service has been my childhood dream. But I started preparing for it only after my MBBS course. A doctor’s profession has lot of limitations. But a civil servant can do much more service to society and can deal with a wide range of issues,’’ said Raj, whose father had been a transport offer with state government undertaking.
Raj had her achievement in the first attempt. “I could emerge the winner only because of the support of my husband, our both families and well wishers. They all had supported, sacrificed a lot and prayed for my success. A major chunk of the credit should got to them.’’
Being a second rank holder, Raj said she hoped to get into Kerala cadre as an IAS officer.
Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India.
Expertise, Experience, and Authority
Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment.
Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes:
Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration.
Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules.
Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More
