Thiruvananthapuram:
Haritha V Kumar has had no time to spend with her family since the day she reached Thiruvananthapuram. Her home has been bustling with excitement as well wishers pour in.
She was undergoing training for Indian Revenue Services in Faridabad near Delhi when she was declared as the topper for Civil Services 2013.
Ecstatic, Haritha says it still seems like a dream.
It's after 20 years that Kerala is celebrating the victory of a topper from the state and a first for a woman from Kerala. But Kerala has more reasons to rejoice. Three out of top 5 performers belong to the state.
Vijaykumar, Haritha's businessman father, is busy handling the busy schedule of his daughter. He has a word of advice to all parents: "I never compelled my daughter to study. I have always said that as parents our responsibility is to only give a conducive environment for our children to study, and not to force them."
Haritha, with a charming smile and a friendly disposition says her aim is to be a commoner and to contribute solutions to local issues.