https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The Hearing-Impaired Teacher Who Cracked the UPSC

Despite being born into poverty and facing hearing impairment, Vishnu's dream of becoming a civil servant was ignited by a dedicated teacher. • Juggling a job, family, and limited resources, Vishnu cleared the MPSC exam and later the prestigious UPSC exam. He cracked UPSC CSE in 2016 achieving AIR-1064 and became an IRS officer.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Born into a family of farmers in the drought-prone village of Kumbharwadi, in the Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra, Vishnu Haribhau Auti’s childhood was marked by poverty and hardship. His parents, both illiterate daily wage laborers, struggled to make ends meet, and none of Vishnu’s siblings could complete their education due to financial constraints.

Despite these challenges, a spark of ambition ignited within Vishnu. His father, though blind, instilled in him the dream of becoming a “Saheb,”- an officer. This dream became Vishnu’s guiding star, leading him on a path that defied all odds.

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer shared details about his life, career, and future plans.

AN UNEXPECTED GUIDANCE

Vishnu’s journey began in the classroom. A dedicated teacher, recognizing his potential, became his lifeline. This teacher went beyond academics, providing not just education but also basic necessities like food, books, and even school uniforms. This act of kindness not only nurtured Vishnu’s academic growth but also instilled in him the transformative power of education.

However, Vishnu himself faced a disability – hearing impairment since birth. Yet, this hurdle couldn’t dampen his spirit.

THE PATH TO CIVIL SERVICE

The turning point came in 1999 when Vishnu landed his first job as a primary teacher in a rural area. It was during this time, in 2005–06, that a colleague preparing for the state civil service exam (MPSC) sparked a new dream in Vishnu. He enrolled himself in a BA program and embarked on his own civil service preparation journey.

“I used to study for three to four hours each morning and evening. At the same time, I was looking after my parents and the schooling of my children. My wife was always there to encourage me on this adventure,” the officer told Indian Masterminds.

SELF-RELIANCE AND DETERMINATION

Vishnu’s preparation was a remarkable feat of self-reliance. With a family depending on his income and limited financial resources, joining coaching classes was not an option.

He studied diligently juggling his job, parental responsibilities, and the education of his children. His wife, a pillar of strength throughout his endeavors, provided unwavering support.

CLEARING MPSC

The key to Vishnu’s success lay in his unwavering determination. He cleared the MPSC exam in his first attempt in 2010, securing the position of Assistant Commissioner of Sales Tax. This accomplishment, achieved after eleven years as a primary school teacher, was a testament to his dedication and hard work.

“I served in the state service for six years before setting my sights even higher – the UPSC Civil Service Exam,” stated the officer.

VICTORY AT LAST

Inspired by his wife’s encouragement, Vishnu continued his preparation. Despite the demands of his job, he found the time and energy to pursue his dream. Finally, in 2016, on his third attempt, Vishnu cracked the UPSC exam, a remarkable feat for someone with his background.

A LIFE DEDICATED TO SERVICE

Vishnu’s civil service career has been marked by a deep commitment to giving back. He not only cherishes the opportunity to serve the nation but also finds immense satisfaction in sharing his experiences with aspiring students, particularly those from rural areas.

“I personally mentor and guide them, ensuring that their journey becomes an inspiration for others,” he shared.

SOCIAL INITIATIVES

Beyond his official duties, Vishnu is actively involved in social initiatives. He has leveraged his position to collaborate with companies and utilize their CSR funds for projects under the Pani Foundation in his village and surrounding areas. This initiative focuses on rainwater harvesting and soil conservation, a critical need in the drought-prone region.

The success of the project, with over 10 crore liters of rainwater stored annually for the past five years, highlights Vishnu’s dedication to environmental sustainability.

FUTURE PLANS

Looking ahead, Vishnu’s vision extends beyond his own achievements. He aspires to become a helping hand for disabled students, ensuring they have the resources and support to pursue their ambitions.

Additionally, his commitment to environmental conservation remains strong, with a focus on saving soil and water in his Taluka and District.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
MP
Historic First: Madhya Pradesh Cabinet to Meet in 137-Year-Old Pachmarhi Raj Bhavan, Pays Tribute to Tribal Hero
Untitled design (10)
BIG: India’s Economy Could Hit $30 Trillion by 2047, Says G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant - But Will Need 500 Cities, 400 Airports to Get There
shubham kumar ias marriage
IAS Topper Weds BPSC Topper: Shubham Kumar Marries IRS Officer Priyangi Mehta in Patna; Wedding Video Goes Viral
DMRC
DMRC Introduces Priority Frisking for Special Category Passengers - All Details Inside
Bank_Banking_news
SBI and Indian Bank Announce Key Changes in Senior Management - Check All Postings
DMRC
DMRC Director Manuj Singhal Honoured with 'Distinguished Corporate Leader Award-2025' by DTU-DCE
LIC Housing Finance
LIC Housing Finance Appoints T.C. Suseel Kumar as Additional Independent Director - Know About Him
IAS Officers Indian Administrative Services (IAS)
Telangana IAS Officer's Remarks on Students Cleaning Toilets Sparks Political Uproar - Know the Case
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
Monika Singh’s Life Beyond the Bureaucracy | Video Interview 
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
Modernising Governance: A Digital Transformation in Gangtok
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
ANUBHAV SINGH UPSC IFS 2024
9 Years, 8 Attempts, 7 Failures: How Anubhav Singh Cracked UPSC IFS 2024 with AIR 3 Against All Odds | Exclusive
Anubhav Singh’s inspiring journey to UPSC IFS Rank 3 showcases relentless perseverance, strategic preparation,...
Jogender Sihag
“I Cleared UPSC, But My Grandfather isn’t Here to Hear it,” Jogender Sihag, AIR 521, UPSC CSE 2024
"Life is short; make the most of it, whether in civil service or any other field. Just have a clear vision...
WhatsApp Image 2025-05-28 at 18.56
Didn’t Clear UPSC But Found Something Greater: A Story That Will Change How You See Success
She left a top finance job for UPSC, did not clear but built a thriving wellness brand instead. Veda's...
Social Media
shubham kumar ias marriage
IAS Topper Weds BPSC Topper: Shubham Kumar Marries IRS Officer Priyangi Mehta in Patna; Wedding Video Goes Viral
Topper Couple Alert: Shubham Kumar, Priyangi Mehta’s Wedding Grabs Spotlight in Bihar
parveen kaswan elephant
Elephant Outsmarts Electric Fence! IFS Parveen Kaswan Shares Incredible Video!
In the now-viral 51-second clip, the intelligent giant approaches a wooden pole supporting high-voltage...
UPSC Latest IAS IPS IFS
UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Tomorrow: ICLS Officer Altap Shaikh Shares Last-Minute Motivation for Aspirants
His five-post thread offers encouragement, practical advice, and emotional support - not just for those...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
MP
Historic First: Madhya Pradesh Cabinet to Meet in 137-Year-Old Pachmarhi Raj Bhavan, Pays Tribute to Tribal Hero
Untitled design (10)
BIG: India’s Economy Could Hit $30 Trillion by 2047, Says G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant - But Will Need 500 Cities, 400 Airports to Get There
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT