Akhand Swaroop: Transforming Struggles into Success

February 17, 2024

4 Minutes

Akhand Swaroop

In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, in the quiet town of Bareilly, lived a boy named Akhand Swaroop. Growing up in a middle-class family, he faced typical struggles and uncertainties about his future. Schooling in Bareilly laid the foundation of his education, but as he reached the point of choosing a career path, he found himself lost. With no specific goals in mind, Akhand took the route many take when unsure - he enrolled in an engineering college. 

Turning Point

Although he finished his graduation in engineering, his heart was never in it. It was during his college days that a life-changing incident occurred. Akhand received a phone call that would change his perspective on life forever. The caller informed him about a severe car accident involving his father. The news shook him to his core, and the subsequent months spent on his father’s treatment were a wake-up call about the importance of financial stability and security. This moment of realization pushed Akhand towards a new goal – securing a government job. Given the respect and stability associated with such positions in India, it seemed like a logical choice. However, Akhand soon realized the magnitude of the challenge he had decided to take on. He aimed for the stars - the UPSC exam, one of the most prestigious and challenging examinations in India. 

Quest for UPSC

With a newfound purpose, Akhand moved to New Delhi. But the city of dreams demanded its price. The cost of living and preparing for the UPSC exams was very high. To make ends meet, he started working at a mobile shop, earning a modest salary of Rs 6000. However, the job consumed most of his time, leaving him with little energy to focus on his studies. He knew he had to find a balance. So, he made a tough decision – he quit his job at the mobile shop and began looking for tutoring opportunities. This decision, though risky, allowed him to stay in touch with his studies while earning a living. Tutoring, however, came with its own set of challenges. The distances between his students’ homes were vast, and Akhand found himself spending countless hours traveling. His determination remained firm despite his exhaustion. Late at night, when he finally returned home, instead of succumbing to tiredness, Akhand would dive back into his books, his eyes set firmly on his goal.

Strategic Preparation

Akhand’s approach to preparation was methodical. He stressed the importance of understanding the syllabus thoroughly. “Don’t just study wide, study deep” he would say. He advised analyzing previous years’ papers to identify the most frequently asked topics and insisted on revising these areas multiple times. According to Akhand, revision and note-making were key to retaining information. One unique technique he employed was using mind maps and recording his answers to listen to later. This, he found, significantly improved his recall ability. His strategies weren’t just about hard work; they were about working smart. 

Discovering a Passion For Teaching

Akhand’s journey wasn’t just about preparing for the UPSC; it was a period of self-discovery. He realised that teaching and guiding others brought him immense satisfaction. This realisation came to him as he tutored students, helping him with his revisions in the process. It wasn’t long before he saw success. He cleared not just the UPSC Engineering Services but also several other competitive exams like NET, SSC, etc, securing job offers from prestigious government positions. 

Catalyst: Empowering Aspirants Across India

At 21, Akhand began his professional career as an Indian Engineering Services (IES) officer. However, the joy of teaching never left him. He would often find himself teaching on holidays or any free time he had. This passion led him to take a significant step. He decided to take a break from his job to create ‘Catalyst’, a platform aimed at making quality education accessible to all aspirants. Through Catalyst, Akhand aimed to provide resources, access to good teachers, and simplify complex concepts for students across India. One of the most heartwarming moments for Akhand came from a student in Jammu and Kashmir. Unaware of the UPSC exams, the student cleared them with guidance from Catalyst. This success story was a testament to Akhand’s impact on the lives of aspirants, fulfilling his vision of making a difference.  

Conclusion

Akhand Swaroop’s journey from a directionless youth to an ex-IES officer, teacher, and entrepreneur is a tale of resilience, determination, and the power of dreams. It serves as an inspiration to countless young individuals across the country, reminding them that with the right approach, guidance, and hard work, no goal is too distant, no dream too impossible.