Indian Civil Services were considered to be an elite service accessible only to the cream of the society. But gradually, even for those from the lower social/economic strata were able to crack the inspirational career.
The story of C. Sylendra Babu evokes inspiration. Babu belongs to a very ordinary family from Kuzhithurai in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. He had aspired to become a doctor, but could not get admission to any medical college and ended up in the Coimbatore-based Agricultural College and Research Institute for his graduation.
All-India service was not even in the dreams of Babu; a chance speech by an alumnus of his college fired his aspirations for the prestigious service. The alumnus opened up their imagination of Babu, when he said, even a backbencher could become IAS or IPS. That changed the life of the undergraduate.
Babu cracked the Civil Service Examination in 1987, was allotted to the Indian Police Service, and joined the Tamil Nadu Cadre. From 1 July 2021, he heads the police force of Tamil Nadu as its Director General. Babu has held various posts in the past, including Director General of Police, Railways, ADGP, Law and Order, Coimbatore Commissioner and SP, Special Task Force, Erode, etc.
A fitness freak, Babu is known for his strict training regime. He participates in and supports various sporting events. During his training at the National Police Academy, Hyderabad he was awarded the RD Singh Cup for Swimming. In December 2004, he represented India in the 100 metres event at the Asian Masters Athletic Championship in Bangkok. Babu is a regular at Chennai and Coimbatore marathons. In 2013, he organised and participated in a 890-km cycle rally from Chennai to Kanyakumari along with members of the Indian Coast Guard to create awareness about coastal security.
Babu also went on to acquire academic qualifications and finally obtained a PhD from the University of Madras. He regularly motivates aspirants from poor families to achieve professional success in life.