UPSC Topper Teaches The Art Of Taming Destiny Through Hardwork

Every year UPSC CSE toppers are declared and millions of people in the country rush to hear their stories of struggle and toil. Their success and journey are an inspiration to millions. But it is often forgotten that these toppers are regular people like you and me who have mastered the art of handwork. Shubham Kumar, AIR 1 of UPSC CSE 2020 reminds everyone that victory is a synonym for hard work, resilience, dedication, and self-belief.

Kumar comes from humble beginnings. His father was an employee in a gramin bank in a small district, Katihar in Bihar. He struggled with providing for a family of four. However, he made sure that Kumar and his sister got a proper education so that they could have a better future. Kumar, being an observant child, saw his parents’ struggle and understood his responsibility. He embraced hard work for the rest of his life like most middle-class children.

Trials and tribulations test one's will and wit at the same time. Kumar too had to face defeat many times before he could taste the sweetness of success. He failed in his first attempt at the civil services exam in 2018. His father recalls those days and says how the failure did not deter his son. Rather, his resolve became stronger. He appeared in CSE again and secured a rank of 290 in 2019. The process of climbing the ladder continued until he reached its topmost rung with AIR 1 in 2020.

Hard work and a strong resolve go a long way and Kumar is a living example of it. He completed his early schooling at a local village school, before leaving for a residential school in Purnia for higher studies. Despite this, he managed to secure a seat at IIT Bombay for a civil engineering course - all due to his hard work. While he could get a high package at any company, he decided to fulfill his dream to become an IAS officer and began yet another arduous journey.

Kumar’s journey is an inspiration to every young Indian out there who dares to dream. Much before he was a part of the UPSC competition, he was already competing and making himself better. Students who dream to turn the tide of destiny in their favor should take a plunge in quizzes and competitions. These will prepare them for the bigger challenges of life!