Experience the captivating story of the IAS officer, hailing from Delhi slums, who overcame a rare bone disorder to achieve UPSC success in her debut attempt. Uncover the compelling journey of this remarkable woman.
A Tale of Resilience: Ummul's Insistent Pursuit of Dreams
Ummul's narrative encapsulates sheer resilience and an unwavering spirit. Born into hardship in Rajasthan and raised in the gritty slums of Delhi's Trilokpuri, Ummul's early years were a far cry from easy. Plagued with a rare bone disorder, her bones were fragile, causing sixteen fractures and eight surgeries throughout her childhood. Yet, she clung onto a dream that, to many, seemed almost unattainable - becoming a civil servant.
A Dissuading Family and the Pursuit of a Dream
Ummul's father, a street vendor, struggled to make ends meet. Regardless, Ummul seemed steadfast in her determination to pursue her education. Her family, burdened by financial constraints, kept urging her to abandon her studies beyond the 10th grade, yet Ummul stood her ground. She courageously left her home, choosing to live alone in the same slum, and began tutoring students to support herself and finance her education. An NGO stepped in, helping her with her schooling up to the 10th grade.
Education and Scholarships
Ummul's efforts were rewarded as she scored an impressive 91% in her 12th board exam, a feat that spoke volumes considering her circumstances. She went on to study at Gargi College, Delhi University, and later earned a Master's in International Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). During this time, she secured a Rs 2,000 means-cum-merit scholarship, which took the pressure of teaching off her. In 2013, she was granted the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), providing her Rs 25,000 monthly, further supporting her academic journey.
Cracking the UPSC and Becoming an IAS Officer
In the face of challenges, Ummul never wavered from her ultimate goal. She started preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, known as one of the toughest exams in the country. Her dedication and persistence led to her acing the exam in her initial attempt. With an All India Rank of 420, she fulfilled her lifelong ambition of becoming an IAS officer in 2016.
Ummul's story embodies the essence of perseverance, hard work, and the unrelenting pursuit of dreams. Her story powerfully illustrates that, no matter the obstacles in life, one can triumph through sheer determination and hope.
Sources: 1- Ummul Kher's educational journey illustrates the power of resilience, The Indian Express, June 17, 2016. 2- Meet UPSC topper Ummul Kher, who cleared the exam after attempted suicide over her failing health, Hindustan Times, May 9, 2016. 4- IAS officer Ummul Kher's journey - from slums to the top of administrative services in India, Firstpost, June 19, 2016.
- Despite her family's financial challenges and her debilitating bone disorder, Ummul's lifestyle in the outdoor-living environment of Trilokpuri's slums didn't deter her from dreaming of a career in education-and-self-development, eventually aiming for a career as an IAS officer.
- To fund her personal-growth and education, Ummul implemented a home-and-garden business by tutoring students in Trilokpuri, enabling her to begin paving her own career-development path.
- Not only did Ummul focus on her academics, but she also discovered a passion for sports, particularly basketball, paralleling her idols in the WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and NBA.
- Her educational accomplishments, including a Master's degree, a scholarship, and a Junior Research Fellowship, demonstrated her learning capabilities and commitment to self-improvement.
- Ummul's relentless pursuit of her dream, starkly contrasting her humble background, is a testament to what can be achieved when one combats adversity with unwavering determination.
- With a 91% score in her 12th board exam, followed by a successful attempt at the UPSC examination, Ummul's story highlights the power of learning and overcoming obstacles that may seem insurmountable.
- In 2016, Ummul symbolized her commitment to public service and personal fulfillment by becoming an IAS officer.
- Ummul's journey illustrates that, in the face of adversity, an unwavering spirit and tireless pursuit of dreams can propel an individual to personal triumph and professional success.
