“People who work hard never fail” has always been the best saying to motivate those chasing their dreams. On one hand, it tells us that success is never about money but about persistence through adversity, dedication, and determination to keep moving. In this article by TheHinduzone, we will discuss the Motivational Story of IAS Anshuman Raj, Who Cracked UPSC Twice. Anshuman Raj stands out as one of the best advocates for this notion, shining light on the fact that if one works hard, then nothing is impossible: One can turn the tables on the most difficult of goals. The story of Anshuman, who first studied under a lamp and later went on to crack the UPSC examination both the first and the second time, stands strong as testimony that determination and hard work can help match the odds.
Born in Buxar district in Bihar, Anshuman always had a tough life. Buxar bore witness to other kinds of battles-the battle for survival, education, and ambitions. Anshuman’s story is the epitome of struggles faced by millions of students in small towns and villages where the availability of resources is limited, but dreams are unlimited. Coming from a middle-income family, where aspirations are kept in check for financial reasons, Anshuman, however, nursed dreams of becoming an IAS officer. Though he would work hard under any circumstances, nothing would stop him from realizing his dream.
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IAS Anshuman’s Early Life and Education
Anshuman started his early school education in the government school of his village. The case of a government school in a rural area is different, and there can be a lot of trouble with resources, infrastructure, and even basic needs. But it was here that Anshuman sowed the seeds of his dreams. He was neither daunted nor deterred by such impediments. All through the time, his focus was on realizing his goal of becoming an IAS officer, and nothing, not even shortage of facilities, could quell his lofty ambitions.
Anshuman, as a child, would always study in difficult circumstances. The village where he lived often suffered from power cuts, and many times, he was forced to study late into the night under a kerosene lamp. These conditions were far from conducive to good health; nevertheless, Anshuman had never considered them obstacles. In fact, these instances only became the motivation for him to overcome adversities. This determination and grit have stood him in good stead.
Anshuman left for higher studies in Ranchi after matriculation. Now, he was in a much bigger city; however, still, finances posed a challenge. Nonetheless, moving to Ranchi was very important for his educational journey, as it presented him with more resources, better guidance, and an academic environment that celebrated excellence. He never forgot, however, the lessons his humble village taught him.
The IAS Officer’s Dream
Becoming an IAS officer was not merely a fantasy for Anshuman, but a goal he was working hard to pursue. Generally, children from middle-class backgrounds in India are often guided toward the traditional and more secure career options, but Anshuman was adamant about cracking the UPSC examination. For him, the UPSC examination, considered to rank with the most prestigious yet difficult examination of India, was to be cleared under any circumstances.
This journey to success was not a bed of roses; Anshuman made his number of attempts at the UPSC exam, which was a tougher nut to crack. His vision of achieving that goal drew him forward with sheer passion and commitment. He had a decent first attempt at the UPSC; however, he could not achieve the dream of being in the IAS. Rather, he was given the post of IRS (Indian Revenue Service), which, though in itself a prestigious position, could not really fulfill Anshuman’s heart’s desire. An IAS officer was Anshuman’s ultimate aim, and he would not settle for anything less.
Determination or Perseverance
Anshuman, despite securing a government job in the first attempt, did not stop preparing for the UPSC exam. He kept aiming to be an IAS officer and prepared for the subsequent attempts with all seriousness. He is a true illustration of one who never settles for mediocrity and seeks perfection.
In the fourth attempt, Anshuman finally got his deserving reward in the UPSC examination with an All India Rank (AIR) of 107 in 2019, realizing his long-cherished dream of becoming an IAS officer. This victory was a reward for all his years of hard work, sacrifices, and conviction in himself. His success proved that nothing can stop a person from fulfilling their dreams if they are driven by right thinking, perseverance, and determination.
When viewed with his journey, Anshuman and his success story take on a whole new meaning. Against all odds, coming from a small village in Bihar which faced all sorts of resource limitations, he was able to compete against students from urban centers who enjoyed the luxury of better facilities, coaching, and support. The victory against all these odds was a roaring testimony to his purposefulness and his faith in self.
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The Power of Self-Study and Strategy
Emphasis is laid on self-study, strategizing, and thereby preparing for the UPSC. Coaching, which by many is considered the mainstay in clearing the UPSC, was set aside by Anshuman, who relied instead on self-study and determination. Self-reliance and a thought-out strategy walked hand in hand with Anshuman’s success. The aspirant engaged in developing an executable plan suited to his style, which facilitated maximizing the use of limited resources. Anshuman shared experiences in an interview on how aspirants could barely pass the UPSC exam without expensive coaching or resourceful environments. In his words, candidates from rural and village backgrounds could go on to excel in the UPSC exam, provided they had access to the internet. Internet is, in his consideration, an extraordinary instrument that bridges students to study materials, lectures, and other resources that hold utmost importance in the preparation of the UPSC. He insisted that aspirants should devote their full attention to crafting their own study plan based on their strengths and weaknesses and sticking to it. Consistency, according to him, is the secret ingredient for success, as is never failing to put effort in day in and day out.
Lessons From Anshuman Raj’s Journey
- Anshuman’s journey teaches some important lessons to aspirants of UPSC and anyone chasing their dreams. Let us discuss some of the key takeaways from his inspirational story:
Hard Work and Determination: Success does not lie on a platter, and one has to really labor hard and put in all the efforts to achieve it. Anshuman reminds us all-however successful one gets, hard work cannot be ignored. - Self-Confidence: The second trigger toward success is one’s belief in oneself. Despite all odds, Anshuman had a dream and never gave up on it, putting all efforts toward it with the self-confidence that he could make it.
- Adaptability: To be successful, one has to change with the changing times. Anshuman would not be restrained in his quest by his modest background or dearth of resources, but instead, he would, utilizing whatever assets were available to him, advance toward fulfilling his objectives.
- Strategic Planning: Success is a result of hard work and smart work. A significant portion of Anshuman’s success rested upon strategic planning and execution, with particular emphasis on his strategy for self-study.
- Resilience to Failure: There were failures along the way for Anshuman, but rather than let the failures discourage him, he used them as stepping stones. His capacity to recover from failure and continue to persevere toward his goal is how we define resilience.
- The Role of Continuous Learning: Anshuman’s journey also establishes the need for continuous learning for betterment. Even after having achieved success in the first attempt, he never ceased to learn and prepare. This clearly shows that success is never the end-it is the beginning of a constant process of growth and improvement.
Conclusion
Anshuman Raj’s story exemplifies the power of dreams coming true through rigorous hard work, dedication, and the right mindset. From studying under a lamp in a small village in Bihar to securing an All India Rank of 107 in the UPSC examination is a journey testimony for numerous aspirants who feel that circumstances are not in their favour. How Anshuman succeeded in accomplishing his goals proves that everyone can with the right attitude, perseverance, and a clear vision, take down all obstacles along the way, no matter how unreal or burdensome the perspective might be. It gives us a message that success is not about all the resources that you have but the will, energy, and passion that go into pursuing it.
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