https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Once a Shoe Polisher at Beawar Railway Station, Gaje Singh Now Is Its Superintendent

Rising from hardship, Gaje Singh’s journey from shoe polishing to station superintendent showcases the power of determination and education. Read the article for full details. 
Indian Masterminds Stories

Gaje Singh’s journey is one that speaks of hard work and persistence. Over three decades ago, he was a young boy polishing shoes at Beawar railway station, struggling to support his family. Today, he has returned to the same place, but this time as the station superintendent. His story is not just about personal achievement but also about the power of education and determination.

EARLY STRUGGLES AND CHILDHOOD RESPONSIBILITIES 

Born into a family with eight siblings, Gaje Singh grew up in challenging circumstances. His family lived in the Sansi Basti near the Chhawani Road railway crossing in Beawar, where survival itself was a struggle. With limited resources, financial struggles loomed over the household, making it necessary for every member to contribute. As a child, he took up multiple small jobs to help make ends meet.

To support his family, Gaje Singh worked as a shoe polisher at Beawar railway station. But this was not the only job he did. He also played the jhanjh (cymbals) in wedding bands and carried lights in wedding processions to earn extra money. At times, he even played the jhunjhuna (a traditional hand-held toy instrument) to entertain crowds in the hopes of earning a few rupees. Despite his young age, he understood the weight of responsibility and took every possible opportunity to ease his family’s financial burden.

PURSUIT OF EDUCATION AGAINST ALL ODDS 

Despite the hardships, Gaje Singh was determined to continue his education. He became the first person in his family to pass high school, an achievement that made him realise the transformative power of education. However, studying was not easy. His family’s economic condition was such that even affording basic study materials was difficult. He could not buy books, but that did not deter him. Instead, he and his childhood friend, Murali, devised a solution: purchasing books together and taking turns studying.

At home, the environment was not conducive to learning. With a big family living in a small space, finding a quiet corner to study was a challenge. Yet he made the best of whatever time and resources he had, studying whenever and wherever he could.

THE TURNING POINT 

The turning point in his life came when he met Professor Mahabhar, who encouraged him to prepare for competitive exams. Inspired by his words, Gaje Singh began dedicating five hours daily to rigorous preparation. He appeared for multiple competitive exams and managed to clear 25 of them. However, every time he reached the interview stage, he fell short.

Repeated failures in the final stage could have disheartened him, but he refused to give up. Instead of seeing them as setbacks, he viewed them as stepping stones to eventual success. His resilience kept him going, pushing him to try harder with each attempt.

RAILWAY JOB AND CAREER GROWTH 

Eventually, his determination bore fruit. Gaje Singh cleared the Railway Recruitment Board examination and secured the position of Assistant Station Master. In 2008, he received his first posting in Biradhwal, Suratgarh, under the Bikaner division. It was a moment of immense pride for him and his family. After years of struggle, he had finally secured stable employment.

His dedication to his job did not go unnoticed. Over the years, he worked diligently across various railway stations, proving his capability at every step. His consistent hard work and efficiency led to promotions and greater responsibilities. Finally, the moment of true fulfillment arrived—he was appointed as the superintendent of Beawar railway station, the very place where his journey had begun as a young boy polishing shoes.

A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT 

Returning to Beawar railway station as the station superintendent was an emotional milestone for Gaje Singh. Standing on the same platform where he had once struggled for survival, he now held the responsibility of ensuring smooth operations for the thousands of passengers passing through each day. His journey from a young boy earning a few rupees to the man overseeing the station’s functioning symbolised years of dedication and perseverance.

He reflects on his past not with bitterness, but with gratitude for the lessons it taught him. Every hardship strengthened his resolve, and every challenge refined his character. He believes that struggles shape individuals and that persistence always leads to success.

INSPIRING THE YOUTH 

Today, Gaje Singh not only manages the railway station but also serves as an inspiration to young people. He actively encourages them to pursue education and remain steadfast in their goals. He often shares his story with aspiring students, emphasising the importance of discipline, hard work, and belief in oneself.

His message to the younger generation is clear: avoid distractions, especially substance abuse, and stay focused on achieving their dreams. He believes that a determined mind can overcome any obstacle and that one’s circumstances should never limit aspirations.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
India Russia R-37M missile talks
India Russia R-37M Missile Talks Advances to Arm Su-30MKI fighters
IAF MRFA project
114 Fighters, One Mission — MoD Pushes for 100% Indian Involvement in IAF MRFA Project
Ias sam rizvi
Hyderabad: Principal Secretary IAS SAM Rizvi Opts for Voluntary Retirement Amid Dispute with Telangana Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao
MP-Police-
Madhya Pradesh IPS Transfers: 7 Senior Officers Shifted in Midnight Reshuffle; Rajababu Singh, Irshad Wali Among Key Names
Powergrid
POWERGRID Strengthens National Grid Connectivity with Acquisition of 2 Key TBCB Projects Worth ₹3,375 Crore
CM Nitish Kumar
Bihar’s Bold Leap: CM Nitish Kumar Pledges 1 Crore Jobs and Women’s Empowerment Boost
8th pay commission
Big Breaking! 8th Pay Commission May Merge DA With Basic Pay: A Historic Salary Reform Set to Reshape Government Pay Structure
ONGC_resized
ONGC Launches 2025 Apprenticeship Program with 2,623 Vacancies — Empowering India’s Youth for Energy Sector Careers
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
IDES Saquib Alam
Beyond IAS and IPS: The Inspiring Work of an IDES officer | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
India Russia R-37M missile talks
India Russia R-37M Missile Talks Advances to Arm Su-30MKI fighters
IAF MRFA project
114 Fighters, One Mission — MoD Pushes for 100% Indian Involvement in IAF MRFA Project
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
IDES Saquib Alam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT