This is an inspirational story for women who face harassment at the hands of in-laws and accept it as fait accompli. Ms. Shivangi Goyal did not choose that option but fought against it and emerged victorious, displaying immense grit and determination. In the UPSC CSE 2021 results, she secured AIR 177 and is now all set to become a civil servant.
Indian Masterminds takes you through the journey into UPSC of this brave mother of a seven-year-old daughter.
FOUGHT BACK
Hailing from Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, Ms. Goyal nurtured a dream of becoming civil servant much before her wedding. She even gave two attempts but couldn’t get success. After that, she was married and, unfortunately, she didn’t have a comfortable life at her in-laws’ place. She faced domestic abuse and harassment at the hands of her husband and in-laws for years. After giving birth to a daughter, her life became more miserable. But she chose to fight back, for herself and for her daughter.
She gathered the courage and went back to her maternal house, taking her daughter with her. Her parents were supportive and told her to do whatever she liked. She then filed for divorce and started preparing for UPSC again, as this was her dream.
MADE IT!
The divorce case is still going on, but the UPSC CSE 2021 result has brought the happiness she sought. She cleared it with AIR 177. In an interview with the media, she said, “My father encouraged me to do something for myself. Then I thought, why shouldn’t I try again for something that I have dreamt of for long. Fortunately, I got success.”
She credits this success to her parents and her daughter, who not only inspired her but also supported her all throughout the journey.
MESSAGE FOR MARRIED WOMEN
Ms. Goyal believes that there will always be someone who doesn’t want women to grow and be successful. But it is up to the women themselves. If they want, they can do anything.
She said, “I want to give a message to those married women in society that if anything wrong happens to them at their in-laws’ house, they should not be afraid. Show them that you can stand on your own feet. Women can do anything they want. If you study well and work hard, you can become an IAS officer, too.”
