Suraj Tiwari’s IAS Prep : A Journey of Perseverance and Triumph

November 7, 2023

4 Minutes

Introduction

Suraj Tiwari's life is a remarkable example of how determination can overcome incredible challenges. Even though he faced overwhelming physical challenges, he didn't give up. He not only passed the JNU entrance and NET Junior Research Fellowship exam but also fulfilled his dream of becoming an IAS Officer by clearing UPSC Civil Services Exam through sheer resilience and hard work. His story is not just about IAS prep, it shows that when you never give up, you can achieve amazing things.

Early Struggles before IAS prep

Suraj Tiwari, hailing from Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh, had a humble beginning. His father ran a small tailor shop, striving to make ends meet. Suraj faced an initial setback when he failed his 12th-grade exam from CBSE. Later, he completed his 12th grade from the state board in 2014.

Suraj left his hometown for Mumbai in 2015, where his brother served in the coast guard. However, financial difficulties forced him to return home the same year. He learned the art of performing pooja and worked in the sector. In 2016, he moved to Delhi to seek employment opportunities in the private sector, where he worked for a year.

A Life-Altering Accident

Tragedy struck Suraj when he met with a life-altering accident that left him physically challenged. One day, while traveling in a train, he slipped and fell on the railway track. The accident was so bad that he lost multiple limbs. Doctors kept motivating him. This setback led to a period of sadness and despair. It was during this time that he decided that he must do something big after getting out of that pain.

The JNU Dream and a Personal Loss

One day when Suraj was at AIIMS to purchase medicines, he met a JNU student. He asked Suraj about his story and motivated him. encouraged him to pursue higher education. He gave him a campus tour of JNU and introduced him to several differently-abled individuals. After hearing their inspiring stories of resilience and determination, it ignited a spark within him.

However, his journey was marred by personal loss as well. The death of his elder brother due to illness shattered him. Amidst these trials, he couldn’t clear the JNU entrance exam, leaving him heartbroken.

Rising from the Ashes

When he heard that JNU was conducting another entrance exam, he decided to give it another shot. After months of relentless preparation, he cleared the exam and secured admission to JNU.

Being from the economically weaker section (EWS), Suraj faced financial constraints. He needed 4000 rupees for JNU fees but found few willing to help him. He began teaching underprivileged 8th-grade students, earning the money he needed.

A Journey of Growth

As he pursued his graduation in Russian at JNU, Suraj's world expanded. He immersed himself in the university's library, engaging with students from diverse backgrounds. One of his seniors told him about IAS prep and explained the basic strategies to be learned to prepare for the exam, such as newspaper reading, NCERTs, reference books, etc.

The university librarian provided him with a laptop, enabling him to access the internet and broaden his horizons. He spent 18 months in the library, learning, growing, and preparing for his future.

Perseverance Pays Off

After a long visit to his hometown due to the pandemic, Suraj returned to JNU and geared up to face the UPSC prelims. Despite knowing the odds were against him, he was resolute in his determination. He diligently followed a strategy, immersing himself in reading NCERT books, newspapers, and other relevant materials. His unwavering commitment and hard work paid off as he not only qualified for the exam but also secured the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

Suraj Tiwari always believed in a quote by Swami Vivekananda, in which he said,

" Wake up and stop not until the goal is reached. "

Conclusion

In a world filled with challenges, Suraj's journey demonstrates that no matter the circumstances, one can overcome adversity and achieve greatness through sheer willpower. Let us draw inspiration from Suraj's remarkable story and apply the same dedication and perseverance to our own endeavors.