From A Mud Hut To UPSC AIR 2: Saha Makes It Big

“We can’t change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” - An Indian Proverb

UPSC declared the result of the Indian Statistical Services examination. The 21-years-old Saha got AIR 2 and made everyone feel proud of him. Bapa Saha proves that if we are determined to succeed, problems in life cannot overpower us. His determination coupled with timely access to scholarships has helped him reach the front page of most national newspapers.

Saha’s achievement is praiseworthy because he beat the odds to be here. He hails from a very humble background. Saha grew up in a mud hut with no electricity. He did not have any luxurious resources to compete with his counterparts. 

He went to an ordinary school, Uttarbanga Krishi Bishwavidalaya in Cooch Behar from where he finished his Higher Secondary education in 2016. Despite facing a financial crisis, he went on to earn an MSc. in Agricultural Statistics in 2020. 

Saha confesses that his childhood was not easy for him. The paucity of resources indeed made life a struggle even at a young age. “Poverty was a problem,” he says. However, “scholarships… helped me through,” he adds. 

While many people accept defeat in the face of struggle, Saha utilized meagre help he was getting from scholarships. It shows he always carried a hunger for success within himself. 

Saha credits his family for his success as well. In an interview, he says, “my family supported me”. His father, Gopal Saha is a mason and earned a hand-to-mouth living for the family. 

Saha’s father’s face was brimming with joy while talking about his son’s achievement. His father says, his son “worked very hard to achieve this”. Getting such a high rank in the Indian Statistical Services exam was huge for the family. 

Saha is positive about his future endeavors in government services. He believes if an individual is determined and ready to work hard, no dream is unachievable. He adds that aspirants should not feel disheartened about the medium of instruction. He comes from a Bengali medium background. According to Saha, it is talent and not the path that makes a difference. 

UPSC conducts the Indian Statistical Services exam to hire personnel to perform technical and statistical work. Astitva Ranjan Srivastava and Sagnik Dey bagged the 1st and 3rd ranks, respectively. 

For thore preparing for the exam this year, read and re-read this story. When one sets their mind to something even dire circumstances cannot stop them. All the best and may you shine!