In the challenging journey of cracking the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, there are candidates who defy all odds and serve as an inspiration by not letting their disabilities hinder their success. One such candidate is Akhila B S, who achieved an impressive rank of 760 in the prestigious exam, despite having lost her right arm in a bus accident at the age of five.
Akhila, the daughter of a former Headmaster at a government high school, faced a life-altering accident on September 11, 2000, which resulted in the loss of her right arm from the shoulder. Despite this setback, she never lost hope and adapted to her circumstances, carrying out daily tasks with her left arm. Her determination and resilience shone through as she excelled in her board exams, securing the highest marks.
After pursuing an Integrated MA at IIT Madras, Akhila set her sights on the civil services and began her preparations. Although she faced initial setbacks in her first two attempts, where she cleared the prelims but fell short in subsequent stages, Akhila remained undeterred. She recognized the challenges posed by the lengthy examination duration, but she persevered with her goal of achieving the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). With unwavering dedication, Akhila continued her preparations and finally tasted success in her third attempt, securing a rank that reflected her outstanding capabilities.
Speaking about her journey, Akhila credited her teacher for introducing her to the profession of a collector, igniting her fascination with public service. She acknowledged the difficulties she faced during the exams, particularly the herculean task of sitting continuously for three to four hours. However, Akhila’s determination never wavered, and she resolved to keep trying until she achieved her goal.
Akhila’s story is not the only one of triumph over adversity in the realm of UPSC exams. Suraj Tiwari from Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri emerged as another standout candidate, securing the 917th rank. Suraj’s life took a tragic turn when he lost both his legs, his right arm, and two fingers of his left hand in a train accident in 2017. Despite this devastating setback, he displayed remarkable courage and resilience.
The son of a tailor and a housewife, Suraj faced extreme despair following the accident. However, he embarked on his UPSC journey in 2020 and passed the written test on his first attempt, falling short only in the interview stage. Undeterred by this setback, he persisted and achieved success in his second attempt, securing an impressive rank.
Suraj’s father, Ramesh Kumar Tiwari, expressed his immense pride and happiness at his son’s achievement. He described Suraj as brave and highlighted the fact that his son’s determination and the functionality of his three fingers were more than enough for him to succeed. Suraj’s mother, Asha Devi, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his relentless work ethic and urging his younger siblings to follow suit.
Both Akhila B S and Suraj Tiwari’s remarkable achievements demonstrate the power of perseverance, determination, and an indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. They serve as inspirations not only to aspiring civil servants but to anyone facing obstacles in their path, proving that disabilities need not be barriers to success.
