Karnataka’s, Nisha SN faced challenges that would daunt even the most resolute individuals. Born with albinism, a genetic condition that left her with low vision, and losing her father during her 12th grade, Nisha’s life seemed overshadowed by adversity. “My father passed away just three days before my CET exams,” she recalls, her voice steady but her eyes reflecting the depth of those tumultuous days. “It was a devastating blow, but life had to go on,” she told Indian Masterminds.
Despite the dual hurdles of her disability and the emotional and financial turmoil following her father’s death, Nisha’s journey from a modest background to aspiring for a prestigious role in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) is both inspiring and poignant. Her story highlights the power of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Early Life and Education
Nisha’s father, who worked as an assistant director in a government department, was the family’s pillar of support. His untimely demise left a significant void, plunging the family into uncertainty. “For three years, our family had no stable income,” Nisha explains. “It was only in my final year of college that my mother secured a job as an FDA (First Division Assistant) in the same department where my father worked. That brought some financial stability to our lives.”
Nisha completed her schooling in her native village, Kuralgi, now part of the Vijayanagar district. Despite the emotional and financial struggles, she excelled academically. She completed her higher secondary education at Suganana PU College, also in Kuralgi, before pursuing a degree in BSc Forestry from the College of Forestry, Konampet, in Coorg.
The Struggles and Triumphs
The journey was anything but easy. Nisha’s low vision made simple tasks daunting. “My low vision was a significant challenge, especially during my school days,” she says. “But my teachers and friends were incredibly supportive. They made special arrangements for me to sit in the front row, and my friends would often dictate notes to me.”
Her passion for the environment grew during her college years, leading her to set her sights on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, with a particular interest in the Indian Forest Service. However, her path was fraught with obstacles. Due to her low vision, she was not eligible for state services in forestry. This uncertainty lingered until she received guidance from teachers at a free coaching program conducted by the Karnataka government’s Social Welfare Ministry. “They informed me that I was eligible for IFS despite my low vision,” Nisha recalls with a smile. “That news was a turning point for me.”
Overcoming Educational Challenges
Preparing for the UPSC IFS exams was no easy feat, especially with her visual impairment. Nisha faced difficulties in accessing study materials and attending coaching classes. “I asked the coaching institute to reserve a seat for me at the front, but they declined,” she says. “So, I would arrive 30 to 40 minutes early to secure a front seat myself.”
Nisha also used a special telescope to read from the board, though it often caused headaches and eye strain. “I had to rely a lot on listening and understanding the lectures,” she explains. “It was tough, but I was determined.” She cleared UPSC IFS 2023 with All India Rank 90 on her fourth attempt.
Looking Ahead
Nisha’s journey is far from over. Her dedication to her studies and her determination to serve in the Indian Forest Service reflect her unyielding spirit. “I want to contribute to forest management, conservation, and tribal welfare,” she says. “There are so many dimensions to this service that align with my passion and my academic background.”
Her journey demonstrates that with resilience and support, one can overcome even the most daunting challenges. “Life has been a series of battles,” Nisha reflects. “But each challenge has only strengthened my resolve to achieve my dreams.”
Nisha’s journey from the quaint village of Kuralgi to the doorstep of the Indian Forest Service is a powerful narrative of strength and ambition. Her story reminds us that adversity, no matter how formidable, can be overcome with determination and the right support, paving the way for dreams to turn into reality.
