From financial struggles to UPSC success: Hemant's inspirational journey

From financial struggles to UPSC success: Hemant’s inspirational journey

Discover the remarkable journey of Hemant, an individual who defied the odds and overcame significant challenges to achieve success in the prestigious UPSC examination. Hailing from a humble background in Sirsa, Haryana, Hemant’s upbringing was marked by financial constraints and a lack of academic guidance. However, armed with determination and the unwavering support of his family and mentors, he embarked on a path of self-discovery and resilience. From facing initial setbacks to ultimately securing an impressive All India Rank of 884, Hemant’s story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring students with limited resources across the nation. Indiatoday.in spoke to Hemant regarding his journey in clearing UPSC despite all odds.Â

Can you share a bit about your upbringing and early life in Sirsa, Haryana (Mangla Disst Rajasthan) nearby place?

I hail from Biran village, Bhadra tehsil, Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan, where my early years were spent. Education-wise, I attended a government girls’ school up to 5th grade, followed by Maharshi Dayanand Adarsh Secondary School in Biran till 10th grade. With a Hindi medium background, I faced hurdles, notably in English, as evident during my first attempt at the JET entrance exam. Determined to enhance my English proficiency, I transitioned to English instruction, utilising resources initially allocated for CTET coaching.Â

A friend introduced me to the ICAR exam, sponsoring my registration. Despite financial setbacks, support from relatives, organizations like All India Pareek Mahasabha, seniors, and friends, enabled me to pursue my studies at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jaipur. Overcoming the challenges of financial strain and sustenance, aided by the kindness of peers, I successfully navigated college life to attain my educational goals.

Could you tell us more about your experience growing up as a Person with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) and how it has shaped your perspective on life?

Growing up with a father who is a Person with a Benchmark Disability (PwBD) has significantly shaped my perspective on life. Due to his inability to work, my mother had to support our family through MGNREGA employment. This experience has taught me resilience, empathy, adaptability, and the importance of support systems. It has also motivated me to advocate for the rights and inclusion of PwBDs in society. Living with a parent who has a disability has instilled in me a strong sense of determination, compassion, and a drive to create a more inclusive world.

What were some of the major challenges you faced while preparing for the UPSC exam, especially considering your disability and your family’s financial situation?

My UPSC journey began with my mother’s unjust treatment under MGNREGA, sparking my interest. Unfamiliar with UPSC, I was initially dismissed when enquiring about it. A senior’s prophecy about becoming an IAS officer shifted my focus. Despite financial struggles, I resolved to pursue UPSC. In Delhi, I relied on a friend’s generosity. Mentors and teachers aided my journey despite scepticism. With their support, I cleared prelims but faced uncertainties about mains. Guidance from Rajat Sir improved my approach. Despite doubts about my disability affecting my rank, Puneet Sir boosted my confidence for the interview. Ultimately, with their collective support, I secured an All-India Rank of 884.

Can you share a specific moment or experience that tested your determination during your journey to becoming an IAS officer?

One of the most defining moments that tested my determination was when I had to decide whether to go to Delhi for UPSC preparation or return home.This moment was crucial because it required me to take a leap of faith and trust in my abilities, despite the financial constraints and uncertainties that lay ahead. I knew that going back home would mean giving up on my dream of becoming an IAS officer while staying in Delhi would mean facing numerous hardships and challenges.

Choosing to go to Delhi with limited resources tested my commitment to my goal. This decision marked the beginning of a challenging yet transformative journey that ultimately led me to achieve my dream of becoming an IAS officer.

Looking back, I realize that this moment was a turning point in my life, one that required me to dig deep and find the courage and determination to pursue my aspirations, no matter how daunting the path ahead seemed.

Can you offer advice to others, especially those with disabilities or limited resources, on how to effectively prepare for competitive exams like the UPSC?

1.    Seek support from mentors and well-wishers: Reach out to people who can guide you and provide valuable advice. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

2.    Be resourceful and find alternative ways to access study materials: Utilize online resources, public libraries, and second-hand books. Reach out to your network and see if anyone can share their study materials with you.

3.    Stay motivated and focused: Remind yourself of your goals and the reasons why you started this journey. Celebrate your small victories and learn from your setbacks.

4.    Take care of your physical and mental health: Make sure to take breaks, exercise regularly, and practice stress-management techniques. Don’t neglect your health in the pursuit of your goals.

Remember, with determination, hard work, and the blessings of your loved ones, you can overcome any challenge and achieve success in the UPSC exam, regardless of your background or resources.

 How did you stay motivated during the ups and downs of the preparation process?

My mom’s advice constantly reminded me of the injustice she faced when discouragedÂ

from pursuing her dream of becoming a collector. Whenever I doubted myself, seeing her words on my table fueled my determination to become an IAS officer and make a difference. My grandma’s love and support kept me going. I’d keep her picture on my table to remind me of her encouragement, and whenever I felt down, her blessings gave me strength.

A quote I found said, “Either your dreams will be fulfilled, or you will lose sleep. Now think, Hemant, what do you want to do?” It struck a chord with me and pushed me forward in my journey. I wrote it down and kept it on my table as a reminder of the decisions I needed to make and the sacrifices needed to reach my goals.

Additionally, whenever I felt like giving up, I would think about the injustice faced by my mother and others like her. I realized that becoming an IAS officer was the best way to bring about change and make a difference in people’s lives. This sense of purpose kept me motivated and prevented me from getting demotivated during the challenging phases of my preparation.

Were there any particular role models or sources of inspiration that kept you going?

My mother has been my biggest role model and source of inspiration. Her experiences, struggles, and unwavering support motivated me to pursue my dreams of becoming an IAS officer and bringing about positive change. Whenever I felt low or doubted myself, I would think of her sacrifices and resilience, which gave me the strength to keep going.Â

My message to aspiring students with limited resources is based on a quote that says, “All the world conspires to fulfil your dream.” If your intentions are good, I firmly believe that resources can never stop you from achieving your goals.Â

If you have a strong desire and passion for something, you will find a way to manage the resources needed to pursue it. For example, if you want to prepare for an exam but face financial constraints, you can reach out to trusts or organizations for support.Â

If you’re still struggling, consider other options like using library resources or taking on part-time work to support your preparation. It might mean an extra year of effort, but remember, this is your dream, and you’re the one who needs to pursue it. No one else can walk this path for you.I believe that the lack of resources should not be seen as a hindrance but rather as an opportunity. If you are the first member of your family to pursue your dreams, think about how you can provide resources and support to other family members in the future. This thought process can motivate you to move forward and overcome challenges.

Considering your background and experiences, what message would you like to convey to aspiring students who come from similar backgrounds with limited resources?

My advice to aspiring students would be to prioritize building a solid foundation. This involves honing their fundamental skills, particularly in English, as it plays a vital role in success across various fields.

For students coming from similar backgrounds, I would like to convey that there is a lot of hidden talent in villages, but it often remains suppressed. I would urge all the individuals who have made it to various services, be it OD groups, SSC, UPSC, or the private sector, to contribute a small amount of money every month, like Rs. 200-500, to create a student fund in every village.

This fund can be used to support talented students who are unable to showcase their potential due to a lack of economic resources. The fund can help them access coaching for exams like JEE, NEET, IIT, or any other field they wish to pursue. Once these students achieve success, they should also start contributing to the fund, creating a cycle of support for future generations.

I believe that by implementing this idea, we can unlock the immense potential of students from rural areas and help them overcome the challenges posed by limited resources. By coming together as a community and supporting each other, we can create opportunities for talented individuals to thrive and succeed, regardless of their background.