Born into a world of physical challenges and societal norms, Ummul Kher’s path was fraught with obstacles from the very beginning. Yet, fuelled by an indomitable spirit and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, she defied the odds to carve out a future illuminated by education and service. Her journey to the corridors of power in Delhi is nothing short of inspirational. She is currently posted as Deputy Commissioner, Customs, Delhi. This IRS Officer Fought For Her Education.
With a fragile bone disease, her childhood was marked by fractures and surgeries, restricting her mobility and confining her to the sidelines as other children played. Yet, amidst the pain and limitations, there was a fierce determination to defy fate and carve out a sustainable future for herself.
FORBADE BY FAMILY
Raised in a household where education beyond the eighth grade seemed like a distant dream, Ms. Kher’s passion for learning knew no bounds. Her parents forbade her from continuing her education beyond the 8th grade.
Despite her family’s financial constraints, she took it upon herself to sustain her education, offering tuition to supplement the family’s income. It was in these humble beginnings that the seeds of ambition were sown, as she rented a room to accommodate her growing roster of students, refusing to let the limited space of her home hold back her dreams.
FREEDOM FIGHTER IS HER INSPIRATION
But it wasn’t merely a thirst for knowledge that drove Ms. Kher forward; it was a chance encounter with the story of Subhas Chandra Bose, a beacon of determination and resilience in the annals of history, that ignited the spark of ambition within her. As she delved deeper into his journey and the world of civil services, she found herself drawn inexorably towards a path paved with challenges and opportunities. By the time she was in class 12th, she had read the magazine “Competition Success Review”, which helped her delve into the civil services.
DU TO JNU
Her journey through academia, from Delhi University to Jawaharlal Nehru University, clearly demonstrated her will to learn more and succeed in life. Despite the physical limitations imposed by her condition, Mr. Kher immersed herself in the world of applied psychology and international relations, culminating in a Ph.D. pursuit that ran parallel to her preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
It was during her JNU days, that she honed her skills and formulated strategies for her UPSC preparation. With determination to crack civil services, she emerged triumphant in her first attempt with an impressive All India Rank of 420, becoming an Indian Revenue Service officer.
DREAMT OF IAS
Ms. Kher accepted her position as an IRS officer with dignity and humility, understanding that every challenge she faced was part of a bigger plan. Her message to aspirants: that while dreams may fuel our aspirations, they do not define our worth.
In a world where many face disappointment and setbacks, her story shines as a symbol of hope. It shows us that strength and perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges.
As Ummul Kher moves forward in her journey, gracefully maneuvering through positions of influence, she serves as a powerful example of the resilience that resides within us all. Her story reflects the truth that where there is a will, there is a way.
