Whether it is business, art, administration or adventure, the women of India are continuously breaking stereotypes, smashing glass ceilings and covering fresh grounds. The results of 2019 UPSC clearly proves the point . This year, a significant number of women aspirant have been able to crack one of the most prestigious exams of the country.
The women winners also secured impressive positions in the A-list. Out of 829 candidates selected for Indian Administrative services, Indian Police services, Indian foreign services and other services, 197 are women. Here are some of the shining examples:
Pratibha Verma– the women topper
Her persistence is what made Ms Pratibha the topper and she secured rank 3rd in the UPSC. A studious girl from the beginning, she hails from Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. She had cracked IIT and worked in corporate for a short period. However, doing something for the country was always in her mind. So, she left the job and appeared for UPSC in 2017 but failed. In 2018, she again gave a shot and got 489th rank and a job of Income-tax officer. But Ms Pratibha decided that the IRS was not the place to stop. She re-appeared in exams in 2019, and emerged as the topper among women.
Nupur Goel– Persistent & Patient
UPSC is the game of determination and patience. Who other than Nupur could know it better? An engineer from DTU, she doesn’t know the meaning of giving up. This never-say-die attitude helped her stand upto any failure. She not only cleared the UPSC in her 6th attempt but also secured 11th position. It was her last attempt and the only chance to prove herself. And look, how she came out with flying colours!
Nadia Beig – the youngster from Kashmir
23-year-old Nadia Beig hails from Kashmir’s Kupwara district. The student of Jamia Milia University is one of the youngest to crack UPSC. In 2018, she first appeared for the exam but failed to clear the preliminary. This didn’t stop her. She knew her weakness and started working on it. She enrolled herself in the residential coaching classes for UPSC, offered by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. It was the first time she was preparing for such a high-pressure exam. She was nervous but was continuing to work hard day and night. Finally, when the results came she couldn’t resist but smile. Defeating all odds this young girl secured 350th rank and now wants to work for the education of women.
Kumari Priyanka– the struggles make you the strongest
It is true that some people get it easy, while others have to try hard. Ms Kumari Priyanka, who resides in a remote village of Uttrakhand is a living example of this truism. She proved that if you are determined then nothing in the way can make you turn back. Her village didn’t have a basic necessity like road or electricity. Every day she had to face new challenges, but these only gave her strength. She helped her father in farming while going to school. She also taught students for extra money. Nothing ever came easy to her, but she never lost hope of better days. Perhaps it was the years of struggle which made Ms Kumari strong. Strong enough to clear the UPSC in the very first attempt! She secured 257th rank in the examination and now wants to motivate others who are facing similar challenges like her.
Purana Sunthari, the inspiration for all
Ms Purana Sunthari comes from a middle-class family in Madurai. She is visually impaired but could always see her dreams. The 25th-year-old has secured 286th rank in UPSC in her fourth attempt, setting an example for everyone. Ms Purana has proved that nothing can match hard work and if you don’t give up, you will be successful. Her parents and friends played very important role in her preparations. They used to create audio books for her. And she has dedicated her success to them.
Aishwarya Sheoran– beauty with brains
The success of Ms Aishwarya Sheron in UPSC is special in many ways. Breaking the stereotype, the former Miss India Finalist has secured 93rd rank in UPSC and is all set to become an IAS officer. Daughter of an Army officer, Ms Aishwarya always dreamt of becoming a civil servant. She entered modelling in 2014 and participated in various pageants. However, this was just a hobby and after taking a break from this she focused herself on UPSC. She is one of few who crack this prestigious exam in just one go.
Safna Nazarudeen
Twenty three year old Ms Safna Nazarudeen has secured 45th rank in her maiden attempt. She hails from Peyad, Kerala and is a graduate in economics. She wanted to become an IAS officer since she was in school. After completing the graduation, she started training for UPSC in 2018. She has a special love for different cultures and wants to make a significant change in the country.
R Ishwarya
Ms R Ishwarya, 24, is a resident of Marungur in Panruti. She has secured an All India rank of 47 and second in the State ranking in UPSC 2019. She is one of three girls from Panruti to become successful in Civil Services this year. After completing her engineering degree from Anna University, Ms Ishwarya started preparing for UPSC. She had secured a ranking of 630 In her first attempt. However, on her second attempt, she leapfrogged to the list of top top 50 winners.
