The undeniably high reputation of the UPSC Civil Services Examination as one of the most difficult recruitment exams in the country means that one needs sharpness of mind, focus, and perhaps most importantly, willpower to clear the exam. Story-to-possibility of it all: IAS Hemant Pareek, the man who rose above the odds, is a picture of inspiration. In this article by TheHinduzone, we will discuss the Story of IAS Hemant Pareek: From Poverty to UPSC Success. He came from a small little village in Rajasthan and finally became an IAS officer because such things are not impossible to do, no matter how impossible they may seem.
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The Early Life of a Struggling Family
Hemant Pareek was born into a small village in Rajasthan in a financially poor family. Due to this problem, it became difficult for him to have a good childhood. His father was a priest in the local temple, while his mother was a laborer working under the MNREGA scheme. Despite their difficult and unceasingly working everyday lives, the family always struggled to meet the basic needs of food, shelter, and education.
Hemant was born with a disability in one of his hands, in addition to the financial hardships, as he was unfit for manual work. Thus, it complicates matters more. In the present conditions, his mother had to take on all the responsibilities of raising the children and giving them education and household chores. She would work endlessly, even if she was not feeling well.
The Incident That Changed His Life: A Defining Moment
The Pareek descendant family lived in Haryana during hard financial times, wishing for better opportunities in the new world. Hemant’s mother continued to work under MNREGA, putting in long hours and finally coming home to work in the fields late into the evening to help support the family. And it is during this period that Hemant witnessed a very significant incident that would change the course of his life.
One day, while under MNREGA, his mother was not paid Rs. 220 for the day by the contractor. Hemant went to the contractor to collect the wages, and the contractor mocked him and asked if he were the ” collector” of the city. Such an occasional and casual occurrence, but it was a huge moment for young Hemant who suddenly became aware of the cruelty and humiliation that often accompany poverty. It kindled a fire in him to not only escape poverty but to fight it in the most meaningful way possible: by becoming an IAS officer.
Hemant has sworn to himself that he would become an officer of the Indian Administrative Service, with the sole objective of building up-not only his family but other families living under similar conditions. That was the day he soared at the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a tough exam into which he would have to pour all efforts.
The Road to UPSC CSE
Obstacles were a constant companion on Hemant Pareek’s path to the UPSC, yet he never crossed over into the land of the dying will. In college days, he recalls the ridicule of seniors and contemporaries of his dream to become an IAS officer. His English wasn’t especially good, and this became a point of mockery for many of his classmates. Instead of being discouraged by their sneers, he took them as a motivation to work even harder. With each day passing, his will to succeed grew strongly, and he locked on to his studies, knowing that no matter how difficult it was, this road was the only one leading him to that goal.
Once Hemant was through with his graduation in Agriculture, he decided to face the challenge of UPSC CSE preparation. He knew it was never going to be easy. In fact, the odds were very much against him. His family was still facing financial problems, and in any case, Hemant couldn’t afford the luxury of study resources and coaching which many of his fellow aspirants seemed to be getting. Yet, under all these odds, Hemant kept his focus sharp, for he had one object in mind, that was to clear the UPSC exam and win a berth in the Indian Administrative Service.
Financial Struggles and The Pursuit of Education
General unavailability of funds was one of the key hurdles in Hemant’s path toward preparing for the exam. Regardless of his strong will and determination, the financial pressure on his family made it almost impossible for him to afford any study materials or even bear living expenses while preparing for the exam. He applied for scholarships, but no scholarship was offered to him, leaving him to find alternative methods to finance his education.
Hemant made innumerable sacrifices to keep his preparation going. Sometimes he went without meals, especially on Sundays when college mess would remain closed. At times making ends meet proved to be too much of a struggle, but Hemant trudged on. It was his desire to shatter the chains of poverty and his dedication to becoming an IAS officer that kept him moving even in the toughest times.
For Heavily Preparing a Year
Hemant threw himself completely into his preparation for the UPSC and long hours went deep into study and had a very thorough syllabus. Although he had few resources, he made the best of what he had. The days of his early rising were long stretched into nights as he covered subjects, did mock tests, and kept trying to hone his weak areas. Lack of resources did not deter him but rather became a reason for trying to prove himself further.
After a year of rigorous preparatory work, that was it; Hemant was in for the UPSC CSE exam. It was, truly speaking, one of the toughest exams he had ever faced, but now he was really far from the small village in Rajasthan where he had then formed dreams of a better life. The hard work he poured into studies and preparations showed dividends when in 2023, he cleared the UPSC exam at his very first attempt with an All India Rank (AIR) of 884. This victory wasn’t just for him; it was a victory for family, for community, and for everyone who had fought their way through troubles with bravery and determination.
Current Role and Contributions
Today, IAS Hemant Pariik serves as the Municipal Commissioner of Dharamshala and as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Waqf Board. The position he holds now provides a chance to him to create a direct change in the lives of many others, especially the marginalized in society, precisely as he intended it. Hemant tells his tale from a village that is small and economically backward to an officer in the Indian Administrative Service, it clearly earmarks that one can defeat all odds through perseverance, hard work, and a clear vision.
Not only has he inspired a multitude of aspirants towards UPSC, but he has also proved the necessity of drastic change in the way society looks at people who have poorly humble backgrounds. Poverty doesn’t really define the future, and whatever may be the paraphernalia to be overcome, the road ahead seemingly has the behest of excellency at the end of it, and one can escape his circumstances.
Key Takeaways from Hemant Pariik’s Journey
- Never Let Circumstances Define You: Born into poverty with several hurdles, among which was a disability in the body, Hemant Pariik never let such things define his greatness. His reality had given him the impression that he holds his future in his hands and proceeds to direct his destiny.
- The Key Would be Hard Work and Focus: In spite of these financial disturbities, Hemant kept his vision intact. Why? Because he knows that if he works hard enough, nothing will stop him.
- Treat Hardships as Motivational Resources: Instead of accepting defeat, Hemant gained more momentum on each setback he faced; ridicule from classmates or lack of materials became his spurs to do better.
- Education is power: Hemant teaches us the value of education in changing the face of a life. His education, the preparation he focused on, made him his door to breaking out of perpetual poverty and getting a job in India’s most prestigious services.
- Do not ever lose faith in yourself: Self-belief is what Hemant maintained through his tough saga and against all odds steeped in his whole life. His story affirms that everyone should eventually keep faith in oneself and dreams without confiding in the hurdles.
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Conclusion
The journey He made from the very beginning is not only a story of success but is also a lesson in resilience, determination, and the unrelenting harangue to one’s goals. It is a story that reminds us that, with effort, a strong will, and the right attitude, no dream is a culmination too large to achieve at long last.
