Santosh Kumar Patel’s life has never been easy. Born in a small village near the MP-UP border in Panna district, Madhya Pradesh, his journey is not just about clearing an exam but about breaking through layers of poverty, lack of opportunities, and self-doubt. Today, as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), his story resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to chase a dream.
A FAMILY FORCED TO START OVER
The roots of his family’s struggle date back to his grandfather. Forced to leave their ancestral village, they settled near the edge of a dense forest. Back then, there was no village—just a patch of land surrounded by trees. “My grandfather cleared the land with his hands, bit by bit. Over time, it became livable, and slowly other houses followed. Today, there are about fifteen houses in our settlement, all from one extended family of around 140-150 people,” he shared with Indian Masterminds.
Life revolved around the forest. The family earned a living collecting tendu leaves, honey, and firewood. During monsoons, seasonal labour on forest plantations brought in some money. His father worked as a mason, building houses and wells, while their small piece of farmland provided just enough for survival.
THE STRUGGLE TO STUDY
The school was a daily fight against the odds. The government school he attended had just one classroom. “There were no chairs or benches. We sat on the floor, and the roof would leak during rain. But back then, we didn’t know life could be different,” he recalls.
English education came late, and even then, it was limited. “In Class 5, we were taught the alphabet. That’s it. Five minutes of English and school was done for the day.” Despite this, he stood out. In Class 10, Mr. Patel topped his district with 92% marks. “When I came home with the prize money, the villagers said I had received a gold sheet. They couldn’t believe I’d won something through studies,” he laughs.
After high school, the real challenge began. Without proper guidance, he chose a government engineering college in Bhopal because it was free. “No one told me what I should do or where I could go. I thought any college was good enough.”
THE DRIFT IN BHOPAL
Bhopal exposed him to a new world but brought him further struggles. With financial pressure building, he got involved in a multi-level (MLM) scheme, hoping to make quick money. “I began chasing money instead of focusing on my studies. I thought I could help my family, but all I did was lose my focus.”
His engineering degree was completed, but he walked out of college jobless. “That was the darkest time of my life. My family had spent so much on my education. They had hope in me, but I came back with nothing.”
THE TURNING POINT
Life changed when a friend who had cleared the PSC exam called him and gave him a wake-up call. “He said, ‘You’re talented. You’ve lost your way, but you can get back on track.” On August 3, 2015, Mr. Patel made a promise to himself: “Until I achieve a position where I can drive a red beacon vehicle, I will not shave my beard.”
He dedicated himself to studying. For 15 months, he barely stepped out of his room. He cleared both the PSC and the Forest Guard exams. “I started working as a forest guard, patrolling jungles with a stick in hand. But I carried my books with me. In between patrols, I would sit under trees and study.”
THE DAY HIS MOTHER BROKE DOWN
The hard work paid off. Santosh Kumar Patel secured the 22nd rank in MPPSC and became a DySP. His journey took a deeply emotional turn when he finally donned his police uniform. He recalls visiting his mother in the fields, where she worked tirelessly every day. As he touched her feet, she broke down, unable to contain her tears. Her words still echo in his heart: “Ae garibi, dekh tera gurur toot gaya, tera ‘may’ kaala ho gaya. Tu meri delhis par baithi rahi, aur mera beta policewala ho gaya.”
It was a moment of pride, triumph, and the culmination of years of struggle. His mother’s face reflected the sacrifices the family had made, their hopes pinned on his success, and the quiet victory of a son who rose above circumstances.
The video of this emotional moment went viral on social media. “People said they could feel the pain and joy in her tears.”
A WEDDING UNLIKE ANY OTHER
His wedding also became the talk of the town. He broke away from lavish modern celebrations, sticking to simple traditions. He arrived at the venue on a wooden palanquin and visited temples on a bicycle after his marriage. “I didn’t want extravagance. I wanted my wedding to reflect where I came from and who I am.”
This decision struck a chord with many, earning him the title “DySP on a bicycle” on social media.
THE SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATION
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world came to a standstill, Mr. Patel found a new way to connect with people. He started using social media to spread awareness. “At that time, traditional channels weren’t enough. I used videos and posts to educate people about safety and precautions.”
His approach worked. Thousands followed his initiatives online, appreciating how a police officer was reaching out in such a personal way. He currently has 2.5 million followers on Instagram and gets lakhs of views on his reels.
MESSAGE TO ASPIRANTS
For those preparing for competitive exams, Mr. Patel has clear advice: trust yourself and trust your books. “Coaching centres can help, but books never lie. Don’t get lost in distractions. Self-study is what will get you through.”
He also believes that people who come from difficult circumstances have a stronger sense of justice. “We know pain. I may not always do something extraordinary, but I will never let harm come to anyone under my watch.”
LOOKING BACK
Today, when Santosh Kumar Patel looks back at his life—from clearing forest paths to wearing the khaki uniform—he feels proud of the battles he has fought. “The struggles taught me to never take anything for granted. Every step was hard, but every step made me stronger.”
Santosh Kumar Patel’s story is not just about becoming a DySP. It’s about holding on when everything seems to fall apart, finding hope when there is none, and carrying your dreams even when the weight feels unbearable.
