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
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
MTNL
MTNL Defaults on Loans Worth Rs. 8,346 Crore; Total Debt Climbs to Rs. 33,568 Crore
Gujarat-government resized
4 IAS Officers Assigned Additional Charges in Gujarat, Ajay Prakash Given Additional Charge As MD, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd
Punjab_govt_resized
3 IAS & 9 PCS Officers Transferred in Punjab, Sanyam Aggarwal Given Additional Charge As Special Secy, Health and Family Welfare
DGP OM Praksh with his wife1
Retired Karnataka DGP Om Prakash Murdered; Family Dispute or Mental Illness, What Prompted the Homicide?
LIC resized
Pradip Kusum Joseph Dungdung Takes Charge as LIC's Additional Executive Director (Engineering)
IRCTC
Rabindra Nath Mishra to Continue as Director (Finance), IRCTC - Know About Him
IAS Puja Khedkar
Supreme Court Grants Interim Protection to Former IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar, Directs Her to Appear Before Delhi Police
GAIL PSU
GAIL Blooms in Valuation After Tariff Hike
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr Lokesh M IAS
E-Rickshaw Chaos, Waterlogging, Traffic Mess — Can Noida Fix Its Daily Chaos? | Exclusive with Dr Lokesh M, IAS
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
This Collector Finds Happiness In Squeaks Of Children With Hearing Impairment Who Start Hearing After Surgery
UPSC Stories
images (14)
Utsav Anand, the UPSC Topper Who Chose Public Service Over a Plush Career
From IIT Bombay to the 2022 IAS batch (Haryana cadre), Utsav Anand’s journey is proof that sharp minds...
pushplata-yadav-ias
How IAS Pushp Lata’s Strategy and Spirit Took Her to AIR 80
From rural Haryana to IAS, Pushp Lata Yadav’s journey reflects focused planning, adaptation, and the...
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
IRS officer Padmapani Bora's 16-year career transcends typical bureaucracy. Discover his surprising journey...
Social Media
GozJlgrXYAAHoKv
Murals for Cleanliness: Thoothukudi District Launches Art-Inspired Sanitation Drive in Panchayats
Local artists add colour and messages to village walls, promoting hygiene and community pride
Himanshu Nagpal IAS
Varanasi's Beggar Rehabilitation Initiative Recognised by UIDAI, CDO Himanshu Nagpal Shares the News
Mr. Himanshu Nagpal is a 2019-batch IAS officer
IAS Vaishali Chopra
Young IAS Vaishali Chopra Takes a Stand Against Caste Bias During Field Training in Uttar Pradesh
While the issue itself may seem small, the post is resonating widely online for its honest reflection...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
MTNL
MTNL Defaults on Loans Worth Rs. 8,346 Crore; Total Debt Climbs to Rs. 33,568 Crore
Gujarat-government resized
4 IAS Officers Assigned Additional Charges in Gujarat, Ajay Prakash Given Additional Charge As MD, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr Lokesh M IAS
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT