Imagine studying by a kerosene lamplight, dreaming of a bigger life. That’s the reality Anshuman Raj faced, growing up in a small village in India. Born and raised amidst humble surroundings, the 2020 batch IAS officer’s journey from Bihar’s Nawanagar to the administrative corridors of Madhya Pradesh’s Narsinghgarh is nothing short of a compelling narrative, marked by determination, perseverance, and a burning desire for change.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, IAS Anshuman Raj, who is currently posted as SDM, Narsinghgarh, MP, shared about his journey in detail.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Anshuman’s early education at Navodaya Vidyalay and later at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalay, Ranchi, set the stage for his academic prowess. However, it was his pursuit of Marine Engineering at the prestigious Marine Engineering and Research Institute in Kolkata that took him across borders, landing him a position in a Hong Kong-based company.
WHY CIVIL SERVICES?
The seed of civil services germinated during Anshuman’s college days when his voracious reading habits and a deep-seated aspiration for administration took root. Unbeknownst to him, a series of personal encounters, including disheartening experiences with the Directorate General of Shipping in Kolkata, further fuelled his resolve to bring about positive change in the bureaucratic machinery.
“The kind of treatment we received there, inspired me to do something about it,” Anshuman shared with Indian Masterminds.
STUDIED IN KEROSENE LAMPS
Anshuman’s narrative takes an emotional turn as he reminisces about his village’s struggle for electricity, where kerosene lamps served as the only source of light for his studies. “Back in those days, we used to get electricity only for 1-2 hours and that too with a very low voltage. So, kerosene lamps were the only option.”
His parents, economically modest yet rich in support, played a pivotal role in nurturing his dreams. His mother, a para teacher who used to earn only 1,500 monthly, went above and beyond, even starting a beauty parlour – a pioneering endeavour in their village – to financially support the family.
FOUR ATTEMPTS
In his first attempt, he didn’t know much about UPSC, so he simply took the exam. In the second attempt, he prepared diligently and, fortunately, cleared the mains, advancing to the interview round. However, his name didn’t make it to the final list. Undeterred, in his third attempt, he successfully cleared the exam and became an IRS officer. Finally, with a great deal of hard work and patience, he secured All India Rank 107 in his fourth attempt and achieved his dream of becoming an IAS officer.
NO COACHING
The journey was not without its challenges. Anshuman faced financial constraints, compelling him to study in his brother’s rented room in Haldia. He didn’t opt for online coaching, relying on self-preparation and occasional online test series. “For studying, one only requires a quiet room and a library,” he shared.
PREPARATION TIPS
The officer further emphasized the importance of resilience and continuous learning for aspiring civil servants. He discourages the pursuit of shortcuts, advocating instead for a focus on personal strengths. For him, the UPSC journey is not just about clearing exams; it’s a transformative process that shapes one’s entire personality.
WISE ADVICE
His advice to aspirants is rooted in the belief that success doesn’t always come in the first attempt – rather, it’s a learning experience that unfolds over time. “Continue the habit of reading and learning. Becoming a civil servant is not the end, instead, it’s a beginning. Once in the service, the real exam starts,” he said in conclusion.
