The UPSC Civil Services Examination is often regarded as one of the toughest exams not only in India but also worldwide. Annually, millions of candidates take part in this rigorous exam, yet only around 1,000 to 1,200 make the cut for final selection. Many students falter at the preliminary stage, while a select few emerge successful, turning into sources of inspiration for aspiring candidates. Among them are Ishwarya Ramanathan and Sushmitha Ramanathan, two sisters whose incredible journey from adversity to achievement serves as a beacon of hope. Let’s delve into their remarkable success story and the factors that fueled their determination.
Overcoming Adversity: The Tsunami Incident
Born and raised in the coastal district of Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, Ishwarya and Sushmitha faced numerous challenges growing up in a financially constrained household. Tragedy struck their family during the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which resulted in the loss of their home. Despite this heart-wrenching event, the sisters never let their dreams shatter; instead, it ignited a fierce resolve to excel in their lives.
Ishwarya Ramanathan: The IAS Achiever
The younger sister, Ishwarya Ramanathan, was the first to taste success in the UPSC exams. She secured an All India Rank of 628 in 2018, leading to her selection for the Railway Accounts Service (RAS). However, dissatisfaction with this rank fueled her determination. In 2019, she made a remarkable comeback, achieving the 44th rank and becoming an IAS officer at just 22 years of age, assigned to the Tamil Nadu cadre.
Sushmitha Ramanathan: The IPS Success Story
Following in her sister’s footsteps, Sushmitha undertook her UPSC preparation with diligence. Despite her hard work, she faced setbacks, failing to pass the examination in her first five attempts. Nevertheless, her resilience did not waiver. In 2022, Sushmitha attempted the exam once more and succeeded with an All India Rank of 528, securing her position as an IPS officer with the Andhra Pradesh cadre.
Lessons from Their Journey
The inspiring journey of Ishwarya and Sushmitha teaches invaluable lessons about perseverance, hard work, and resilience:
| Key Lesson | Description |
|---|---|
| Perseverance | Never give up after facing failures; keep trying until you achieve your goals. |
| Hard Work | Consistent and diligent study habits are crucial for success in competitive exams. |
| Adaptability | Learn from past attempts and improve; adaptability leads to better performance. |
| Support System | A strong family and support network can motivate and assist through challenges. |
Conclusion
The success stories of Ishwarya and Sushmitha Ramanathan are not just tales of triumph over adversity but also serve as motivational narratives for all UPSC aspirants. Their journey emphasizes the importance of resilience and the belief that no dream is too far-fetched if pursued with relentless effort. As they continue to serve the nation, they inspire many to follow their paths of commitment and hard work in the face of challenges.