From Corporate Comfort to Civil Service: IAS Prem Prakash Meena's Inspirational UPSC Journey

January 15, 2024

4 Minutes

Humble Beginnings with Middle-Class Dreams

Dreams don't always fit within the lines society draws and Prem Prakash Meena's inspirational UPSC success story is a living proof of that. Prem Prakash Meena is an IAS officer in Uttar Pradesh cadre. He comes from a small town in Rajasthan's Alwar district. Like many middle-class Indian families, his family believed it was important to work hard and take care of duties before following dreams. They believed that studying hard to get a good job was the best way to make those dreams happen later. No matter if you studied to be an engineer, teacher, or business person, success meant finding a steady job.

Prem's family originally lived in a small village in the Karauli district. His grandfather and uncle were farmers there. But Prem's father wanted a better future for Prem and his siblings, so he moved them to Alwar for a better education.

Success Abroad, Yet Longing for More

After finishing his studies, Prem Prakash Meena did what most middle-class people do – he got a good job at a big company. This job was great! He got to travel the world, make good money, and learn about different cultures. But in 2014, something changed inside him. He started asking himself, "Is this really all I want from life? Or do I want to do something more meaningful, something where I can help people and make my country a better place?" He began to question the comfortable life he had made for himself.

Breaking Barriers and Facing Discouragement

Leaving behind a successful career built over ten years was a scary thought. He wasn't sure if he could succeed as a civil servant, but he decided to take the risk. This man from a small town in Alwar, a man used to working in faraway places like Russia or Azerbaijan, was ready for this bold change.

But when he told his family and friends about his plans, they weren't supportive. Almost everyone he knew – 95%! – told him he was crazy. They told him he hadn't studied in a long time and didn't know anything about the UPSC exam.

They pointed out that he already had a good life – a good job, money, and his family's respect. Society told him he was being unrealistic, that his dreams would take too much hard work and that he would probably fail anyway. But despite all this, he knew he had to try.

Self-Belief and Unwavering Determination

He rented a small room in Delhi and at first, tried to get help by joining a coaching institute. But after two months, he felt like it wasn't working for him, so he decided to study on his own. His family and friends again told him he was making a mistake, that leaving the coaching classes just proved he was being foolish. But Prem ignored them and decided he would work as hard as he could to reach his goal of becoming an IAS officer.

Prem Prakash Meena studied and studied. He worked incredibly hard and it paid off – he passed the UPSC exam on his first try! Even though he got a good job with the IRS Income Tax department, he still dreamed of being an IAS officer. He was determined and didn't give up. Prem took the exam again and did amazingly well, getting an All India Rank of 102 and making him an IAS officer.

Nyaya Aapke Dwar: Justice Beyond Bureaucracy

When he started his IAS training, Prem saw how difficult it was for regular people to deal with India's confusing government systems. People struggled in many places – hospitals, schools, even in the courts. They often didn't have the money or power to stand up for themselves. Seeing this made Prem feel strongly that he had to do something. He couldn't just feel sorry for them, he wanted to use his position to truly help.

While stationed in Haraiya and Basti, he devised the groundbreaking initiative

"Nyaya Aapke Dwar" (Justice at Your Doorstep)

The concept was simple yet powerful: instead of forcing people to traverse complex bureaucratic hurdles, the system would proactively come to them. This decentralized approach to justice saved citizens time, money, and countless frustrations.

Fulfillment Through Service

The impact of "Nyaya Aapke Dwar" brought profound satisfaction – the kind of fulfillment he craved. He witnessed, firsthand, how his actions directly improved lives.

Inspiring Words for UPSC Aspirants

Prem Prakash Meena knows that many young people, just like he once was, dream of becoming civil servants. He understands that it's normal to doubt yourself, and that other people might try to discourage you. But he wants those young people to follow their dreams. If you really believe in something and are willing to work hard, then you should go for it with all your heart!

Meena echoes the timeless wisdom of APJ Abdul Kalam:

"You have to dream before your dreams can come true."

He emphasizes the importance of dreaming big and aspiring boldly - regardless of what others might say.

Conclusion

Prem Prakash Meena's journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring civil servants throughout India. His story is proof that passion, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams can overcome any obstacle.

You can also check out Prem Prakash Meena's journey on a blog by Indian Masterminds.

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