Kerala's Sarika beats Cerebral Palsy, ranks 922 in UPSC

Kerala’s Sarika beats Cerebral Palsy, ranks 922 in UPSC

A young woman from Kozhikode, Kerala, has defied the challenges of cerebral palsy to achieve a remarkable feat – clearing the civil services exam. Sarika A K, despite her condition which limits the use of her right hand, managed to secure a commendable rank of 922 in her second attempt at the  UPSC 2023 exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.Â

Expressing her initial shock at the result, Sarika conveyed her deep happiness at achieving this milestone. She attributed her success to the unwavering support of her family, friends, and teachers, emphasising the pivotal role her parents played in her journey.

Opting for civil service post-graduation, Sarika’s determination and perseverance led her to success. Drawing inspiration from figures like Jessica Cox, a licenced pilot without arms, Sarika underscored the importance of relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.

Sarika’s journey through the various stages of the civil services exam was not without its difficulties. From navigating exam centers to facing the challenges of a week-long main examination, she overcame each obstacle with resilience. The accessibility of the exam center in Kozhikode was a boon, while accommodations had to be made for the main examination in Thiruvananthapuram.

During the interview phase held in Delhi, Sarika was accompanied by her father, who flew down from Qatar to support her. Despite facing the cold weather, her interview panel was cordial, focusing on her background and hometown rather than current affairs.

Sarika’s achievement is not just personal but also inspirational, reflecting the triumph of human spirit over physical limitations. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, demonstrating that, with determination and support, any goal is attainable.