1 November 2026
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The Soil That Raised Him Now Celebrates Him: How Farmer’s Son & Teacher Kamal Khadav Became SDM – After Mishearing a Question in His Interview

Farmer’s son Kamal Khadav from Bedawadi, Nagaur, secured 9th rank in RAS 2023 through self-study while working as a Cooperative Inspector, inspiring rural youth with his determination and humble roots.
Indian Masterminds Stories

“Success is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius

In the golden sands of Rajasthan’s Nagaur district, amidst fields of toil and simplicity, a story of grit and glory has taken root.

Kamal Khadav, a farmer’s son from Bedawadi village in Merta subdivision, has turned dreams into destiny by securing the 9th rank in the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) examination.

His remarkable achievement is not just a personal milestone – it is a testament to perseverance, discipline, and the power of self-belief. From a modest farming family to the elite administrative ranks of the state, Kamal’s journey proves that no dream is too distant when hard work lights the path.

Today, as Merta celebrates with firecrackers and sweets, Kamal’s journey stands as a shining testament that determination, self-belief, and grit can rewrite destiny – even from the quiet corners of a farmer’s field.

Journey So Far: From Classroom to Cooperative Inspector

Kamal’s professional journey began modestly – as a teacher. Teaching gave him a sense of purpose and discipline, but his aspirations reached higher. He dreamed of becoming an officer who could influence lives and bring change to the grassroots.

Eventually, Kamal joined the Cooperative Department as a Cooperative Inspector, working at the Purchasing and Selling Cooperative Society in Merta City’s Agricultural Market. His role connected him closely with the farmers – people like his own family – giving him first-hand insight into the challenges of rural livelihoods.

But even as he managed cooperative operations by day, Kamal continued to nurture a bigger goal – the RAS examination. He prepared during his limited hours, often late into the night, proving that determination outweighs circumstance.

Background: A Farmer’s Son Who Dreamed Big

Born into a simple farming household, Kamal Khadav grew up surrounded by the values of honesty, humility, and hard work.
His father, Harkaram Chaudhary, is a dedicated farmer, while his mother, Poonam Devi, is a homemaker who instilled in him patience and perseverance.

Kamal’s family is a shining example of rural India’s commitment to education and progress. His wife, Sanju (Anjani) Devi, serves as an ANM in the medical department, contributing to healthcare in her region. His elder sister, Manju, is the principal of a government school – a beacon of learning and inspiration. His brother Sunil works as a lecturer in the education department, while another brother, Mukesh, manages the ancestral farming business.

Kamal is the youngest in the family – and the most loved. His humble upbringing shaped his grounded personality and ignited his dream to serve society through civil services.

Preparation Strategy: Discipline Over Resources

Kamal Khadav’s RAS preparation was marked by self-study and unwavering discipline. He didn’t attend expensive coaching classes or rely on big-city resources. Instead, he created his own structured plan, revising concepts meticulously and practicing answer writing regularly.

He focused on understanding concepts deeply rather than rote memorization, often connecting real-life administrative problems from his cooperative experience with theoretical learning.

Kamal believes that consistency matters more than long study hours. His disciplined routine, supported by family encouragement, helped him stay focused despite work commitments.

When asked about his preparation mantra, Kamal said: “If you want to do this, you have to do it. No matter how much people make fun of you, you just have to study. If you stay determined and work hard, you will succeed.”

Turning Points: Lessons from Failures and Interviews

Every journey to success carries lessons – and Kamal’s was no exception. He recalls an amusing yet humbling incident during his RAS interview.

When an interviewer asked, “What is Amnesty International?” the question was spoken softly, and Kamal misheard it as Interpol. He confidently began talking about Interpol, and the panel listened patiently before gently correcting him.

Instead of losing confidence, Kamal took the moment with humility and humor – showing the maturity of an officer in the making.

In another question, when asked about regions with higher crime rates, Kamal replied, “Crime is more prevalent in Alwar and Bharatpur – it’s a stronghold of cybercrime.”

When the panel asked why Western Rajasthan had lower crime rates, the conversation took a lighter turn as Kamal noted,

“Crimes like drug trafficking are, however, quite prevalent in some districts of Western Rajasthan.”

His balanced and thoughtful answers, combined with calm composure, left a strong impression on the board.

The Moment of Glory: 9th Rank Brings Pride to Merta

When the RAS results were announced, joy erupted across Bedawadi and Merta. The humble farming village where Kamal grew up turned into a celebration ground.

Villagers and family members burst firecrackers and distributed sweets, proud that one of their own had reached the prestigious ranks of the RAS. Regional officials, neighbors, and friends poured in to congratulate the Khadav family.

For the people of Nagaur, Kamal’s achievement symbolizes hope and possibility – a reminder that roots in the soil can still reach the sky.

Message to Aspirants: Keep Faith and Keep Going

To young aspirants, Kamal’s message is simple but powerful –

“No matter how many people doubt you or make fun of your dreams – don’t stop. Keep studying, stay patient, and trust your effort. If you want to do it, you will do it.”

His journey stands as proof that self-study, strong willpower, and family support can lead anyone to success – regardless of background or circumstance.

From the Soil of Nagaur to the Service of Rajasthan

From a small farmer’s field to the Rajasthan Secretariat, Kamal Khadav’s journey embodies courage, humility, and relentless effort. His story is not just about cracking an exam – it’s about transforming life through purpose.

As he steps into his new role as a Rajasthan Administrative Service officer, Kamal carries with him the lessons of his village, the strength of his family, and the hopes of countless rural youth who dare to dream beyond boundaries.

His success echoes across Merta and beyond – a farmer’s son who ploughed through challenges and sowed the seeds of a brighter tomorrow.


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