Unveiling the Remarkable Journey: IAS Officer Battles Rare Bone Disorder, Triumphs in UPSC on First Try Despite Residing in Delhi Slums
A Tale of Tenacity: Ummul's Journey from Unimaginable Odds to IAS Officer
Ummul's inspirational tale is a beacon of resilience and determination, shining bright against all the challenges she's faced. Born in a poverty-stricken family in Rajasthan and raised in the gritty streets of Delhi's Trilokpuri area, Ummul's early life was far from a walk in the park. Diagnosed with a rare bone disorder, her fragile bones led to a staggering 16 fractures and 8 surgeries before she reached adulthood. Yet, Ummul refused to let her physical limitations dampen her spirit.
A Family That Doubted Dreams
Ummul's father, a humble street vendor, battled daily to put food on the table. Despite his struggle, Ummul's family discouraged her from pursuing education beyond the 10th grade due to financial constraints. Displaying courage beyond her years, Ummul made a bold decision. She bravely left home, opting to live alone in the same slum, and started tutoring students to support herself and fund her own education. An NGO generously offered support for her schooling up to the 10th grade.
Early Struggles Pave the Way for Success
Ummul's tenacity paid dividends as she excelled in her 12th board exams, scoring a commendable 91%, a significant accomplishment given her circumstances. She went on to enroll at prestigious institutions, earning her undergraduate degree from Gargi College, Delhi University, and a Master's in International Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Ummul also pursued an MPhil/PhD program at JNU.
During her studies, Ummul received a Rs 2,000 means-cum-merit scholarship, which alleviated the need for her to teach others. In 2013, she was granted the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), supplying her with an additional Rs 25,000 per month, further enabling her academic pursuits.
Turning Adversity into an Achievement
Nonetheless, Ummul never lost sight of her grand ambition. She began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, acknowledged as one of the toughest exams in India. Ummul's determination and relentless hard work eventually paid off, as she aced the exam in her first attempt, securing an All India Rank of 420 and realizing her dream of becoming an IAS officer in 2016[1].
Ummul's story encapsulates the power of perseverance, hard work, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams, no matter the hardships faced. Her triumph is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human experience. Recently, she has been recognized as a TEDx speaker, embodying the spirit of conquering adversity[2][3][4].
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/IAS-officer-Ummul-Kher-shares-her-journey-of-grit-and-determination/article25131204.ece[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/i-want-to-make-a-difference-says-ias-officer-ummul-kher/articleshow/54387697.cms[3] https://www.indiawest.com/news/world/ias-officer-ummul-kher-despite-challenges-fulfilled-dream-to-serve-india/article_7c76d94d-ab86-5fff-8598-6e07f25d4436.html[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7wFWK3V6s4
In the face of familial opposition and financial struggles, Ummul opted for a lifestyle focused on education-and-self-development, leaving home to tutor students and fund her own education. Her determination and self-discipline led her to excel academically, eventually securing admission to prestigious institutions and fulfilling her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
