Ansar Shaikh’s story serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem, it is possible to rise above one’s circumstances through education and perseverance. From a below-poverty line family, an alcoholic father, facing domestic violence and child marriage right his home - at just the young age of 21 years, he cracked the difficult UPSC exam in just his first attempt. To date, he believes and thanks his younger brother for acting like an older one. You’ll know why as the story unfolds.
A humble beginning
His story resonates deeply with anyone who has faced adversity. Born into a very poor family in Maharashtra, Ansar’s early life was fraught with challenges. His father was an alcoholic autorickshaw driver, struggling to provide for the family, while his mother worked tirelessly on a farm to make ends meet. The financial strain forced his sisters to marry at just 15 years old, and his brother dropped out of school in the 7th grade to work in a garage. In such an environment, education often took a backseat.
The turning point
Ansar's journey took a critical turn when he was in the 4th grade. His father, overwhelmed by their financial struggles, decided to pull him out of school. However, a dedicated teacher intervened, requesting Ansar’s education and convincing his father that he wouldn’t regret investing in Ansar’s future. This pivotal moment not only changed the course of Ansar's life but also ignited a spark of hope within him.
Rising above challenges
Despite the odds stacked against him, Ansar was determined to succeed. He worked as a waiter and sweeper during his 10th-grade year to help support his family. Balancing work and studies was no easy feat, but Ansar’s hard work paid off when he achieved an impressive 91% in his 12th-grade exams. This accomplishment fueled his ambition and solidified his belief that education was the key to breaking free from poverty.
Pursuing higher education
With newfound confidence, Ansar moved to Pune’s prestigious Fergusson College to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Here, one of his professors who believed in Ansar’s determination offered to pay 50% of the fee.
But this transition came with its own set of challenges; his younger brother contributed 6,000 rupees, which is all he was earning back then, to help Ansar survive and study.
That’s why he believed he wouldn’t have been where he is without his younger brother sacrificing his own education to let Ansar achieve his dream.
What really made him envision his dream was when one day, he witnessed his already poor father being forced to bribe an officer just to get basic services. This moment became a turning point for Ansar; he realized that he needed to rise above his circumstances and make a significant change - not just for himself but for his family and community.
The race against time
Determined not to waste this opportunity, Ansar committed himself to studying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of the toughest exams in India. He dedicated himself to studying for an astonishing 13 hours a day while juggling college responsibilities. With limited resources and no safety net for a second attempt, he knew he had to give it everything he had.
His days were filled with textbooks and notes, often sacrificing sleep and social life for the sake of his dream. He would often remind himself that failure was not an option; he had come too far to turn back now.
Finally achieving it!
In 2016, beating all his struggles and after years of relentless preparation, Ansar achieved an All India Rank of 361 in the UPSC exam on his very first attempt. This remarkable achievement made him not only the first graduate in his family but also India’s youngest IAS officer - a record that continues to inspire countless individuals across the nation.
Ansar's success story is not just about numbers; it represents hope for many who come from similar backgrounds. His journey represents the idea that with hard work, determination, and support from others, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
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