What if you wake up one fine day only to realise you cannot hear your own voice? That is precisely what happened with me at the age of 16, in August 2010. This steep and sudden hearing loss came as a rude shock to my perfectly normal teenage. The rest of my 11th standard was spent moving in and out of hospitals, trying to look for a diagnosis. While there was no cure, the loss could be managed to an extent with the help of hearing aids.
This turn of events put forth questions on my future- but I guess adversity brings out the best in all of us. I gained admission in National Law University, Delhi. Study of law and civil rights piqued my interest in civil services, however I sat for campus placements and was set to join my corporate job at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas in Mumbai. It was in the last semester of my college, on 19 February 2017 that I decided to appear for the civil service exam instead. What makes this date special is I had my UPSC interview exactly a year later, on 19 February 2018!
Writing the UPSC mains itself became a surprise challenge, as before the exam I developed viral fever. Not wanting to let another bodily setback bog me down, I wrote the exams while getting IV drips thrice a day, including in the lunch break between the exam.
I consider myself lucky to make it to the Indian Administrative Service in my first attempt with a good rank. It is a privilege to be a part of this service which allows one to turn ideas into reality with the help of state machinery for the benefit of others. My probation here at district south west Delhi has been an incredibly enriching experience and I’m looking forward to my years in service.
Life is unpredictable with all its ups and downs- but the sheer will to face challenges heads on and beat dogmas of society can help one shine through adversity.
Each of us is imperfect in our own way- it is all about accepting our flaws and not letting our imperfections define our capabilities and possibilities."
Saumya Sharma
IAS 2018
AGMUT Cadre