“As the Nirbhaya case had stolen the sleep of myriads of parents across the nation, it was very difficult for my parents to decide whether I should study in Delhi. But after incessant queries from friends and families, somehow they managed to allow my stay in Delhi. However, I got enrolled in Delhi University’s Miranda House, one of the prestigious colleges for women in Delhi. And hence, it turned out to be the first breakthrough for further preparation of Civil Services examination”, these were the words of Shruti, a Giridih girl, who secured 506th rank in UPSC’s Civil Services Examination, the result of which was released during the last week of May this year.
In a question asked by the Pioneer, this Giridih girl sobbed, “This is very difficult for me to name any particular person, as everyone in my family played vital roles in my life and rendered their best to make me a successful individual. But unparalleled trust & support of my parents, Dr Pramanshu Agarwal and Smt Sangeeta Agarwal, apart from widespread motivations of my grandfather, Sri Maheshwar Modi, who is a retired Divisional Engineer, BSNL, Jharkhand, can never be forgotten”.
Born and brought up in Shastrinagar, locality of Giridih district, Shruti did schooling from her native place in Giridih. And hence, she pursued matriculation from ICSE Board at Giridih Carmel School in 2013, and later she did her Class Twelve from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, at Bokaro, in 2015. “As I was successful in fetching required marks for further admission to premier institutions of the country, I and my family decided to take admission in Miranda House College, at New Delhi for further studies. The only drawback that my parents observed that time in Delhi was nothing, but the much publicized Nirbhaya incident. But, it was my courageous father, who showed his utmost trust and confidence in me, though I was enrolled in the premier institution. Consequently, he left me there fearlessly and directed me to go ahead”, she said adding that her parents faith, support and confidence, ultimately led to her success in the country’s toughest examination.
“During the first two consecutive attempts, in which I could not qualify even in the Preliminary Test, I felt a little bit exhausted. As usual, my elder sister Prerna, who often stood with me in my tough times, came forward again and left no stone unturned to push me ahead. She again came up with strong hands and taught me motivating lessons of life”, Shruti said terming her elder sister as the best friend cum sister in her life.
Asked about tips for upcoming generations and aspirants, Shruti emphasized saying, “There are myriads of institutions, coaching centers and materials that often guide us about the three basic points of preparations for civil services like: What, When and How, but no one teaches us about – ‘What Not’. I just meant to say, instead of focusing merely on all three above points like: What, when and how, one should also focus on ‘what not’. “In terse, the aspirants also need to focus on ‘Art of leaving’. It means, the aspirants are supposed to quit the haphazard and futile study materials, majorities of which ultimately turn irrelevant for the Civil Services Examination”, the 25-year-old Giridih girl said.
This Giridih girl however received a warm welcome and daughterly treatment from one and all on arrival at her native in Giridih on Saturday.
“Right from her birth, she was a confident and sincere student. Her success in the Civil Services Examination has set an example not only in my family but in our locality”, said Shruti’s uncle, Sudhanshu Prasad Agarwal also known as Pappu Modi. He added that his family, friends, relatives and residents, together, had organized Maha Arti karyakram at Durga temple to celebrate his niece’s success.
“These activities would motivate other aspirants and newcomers, especially the daughters, across the locality”, the residents said.