Coimbatore: The story of IPS officer S. Inba is a remarkable tale of perseverance, grit, and determination. Daughter of a beedi worker mother and a bus conductor father, Inba has overcome financial constraints to secure a place among India’s top civil servants. Her brief speech at the launch of the ‘Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil’ laptop distribution scheme on January 5 has gone viral on social media, inspiring students from humble backgrounds to dream big.
From Sengottai to the UPSC Success
Hailing from Sengottai, Tenkasi, Inba is an engineering graduate in computer science from Coimbatore (2020). Despite her modest upbringing—her mother rolled beedis and her father worked as a bus conductor—Inba was determined to crack the All India Civil Services Examination.
Initially preparing at home, she could not clear the exam in her first two attempts. Financial constraints prevented her from moving to Chennai for coaching. That’s when she accessed the Tamil Nadu government’s flagship ‘Naan Mudhalvan Scheme’, designed to support talented students from underprivileged backgrounds.
The scheme allowed her entry into the All India Civil Service Coaching Centre in Chennai, providing free coaching, accommodation, and meals. Additionally, the public library at Sengottai became her second home, giving her access to books and internet facilities that proved crucial for her preparation.
After two years of rigorous study and perseverance, Inba cleared the UPSC examination and is now a 2024-batch IPS officer, currently undergoing training as an ASP in Coimbatore.
The Viral Speech That Inspires Millions
At the laptop distribution scheme event, Inba recounted her journey from the audience rows to the stage. She said,
“I was seated as a beneficiary in a third or fourth row in a similar event a year back; now I stand before you as an IPS officer on the stage.”
Her three-minute speech was met with loud applause and has since gone viral on social media, resonating with students who hesitate to pursue their dreams due to financial or social constraints.
Inba emphasized that government schemes like ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ offer substantial support and can help students from humble backgrounds succeed in prestigious examinations. She said:
“The government is offering several facilities through schemes. It is we who should utilise them to succeed.”
Her message was loud and clear: economic background is not a barrier to cracking civil service exams and achieving excellence in public service.
Recognition by Dignitaries
Inba delivered her speech in front of a distinguished audience, including Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, former ISRO Director Mylswamy Annadurai, and IAS officer P. Amudha, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government. Her courage, humility, and success were lauded by the attendees, who cheered warmly.
Her journey serves as an inspiring example for millions of students nationwide, showcasing the transformative impact of government initiatives combined with determination and hard work.
