From Adversity to Achievement: The Inspirational Journey of Savita Pradhan to Becoming an IAS Officer
Success stories often showcase the triumphs, but the struggles behind them remain lesser-known to many. One such story is that of IAS officer Savita Pradhan. Savita was born in a tribal village in Mandi, Madhya Pradesh, into a humble family. She never imagined that she would attempt a challenging exam like the UPSC and eventually become an IAS officer. When given the opportunity to share her journey, she revealed her incredible and arduous path to success. Her story is one that will astonish anyone who hears it.
Early Life and Education: Savita was born into a poor family and grew up like any other girl in a typical household. She woke up early each morning, collected mahua flowers, and later attended a village school. Perhaps it was the prospect of earning wages for attending school that led her family to enroll her in a village school. She was the third child in her family. Somehow, she excelled in her studies and passed her 10th-grade exams. Her courage increased after becoming the first girl from her village to pass the 10th grade. With her family's support, she was admitted to an intermediate college seven kilometers away from her home, despite the daily cost of reaching school being two rupees. For her, it was a huge sum. Still, she walked to school every day.
Building Self-confidence: After passing her 10th-grade exams, Savita's self-confidence increased. She started dreaming and thinking about becoming a doctor someday. At that time, a very wealthy family relative visited her home. Savita's father believed that such opportunities don't come often, and when they do, they should be seized. When alliances from such large families come, they usually bring a significant financial benefit to the bride's family. At this point, Savita didn't want to get married; she wanted to prepare for the PMT (Pre-Medical Test) and study medicine. Her family members eventually agreed. She got married, but her life took a downturn. She reveals that she faced severe domestic violence in her in-law's house.
A Life-Altering Decision: There came a time when the relentless abuse and daily torment led Savita to contemplate suicide. By this time, she had become a mother of two children. This decision was incredibly difficult. Finally, one day, after putting her two children to sleep, she decided to take action. She fashioned a noose out of her saree and was about to hang herself when her mother-in-law saw her through the window. That moment changed her mind, and she asked herself why people like her should die. Afterward, one day, Savita left her home and went to her cousin sister's house, who encouraged her to start a beauty parlor and a boutique.
Overcoming Challenges: Despite the odds, Savita decided to continue her education. She juggled her studies with various odd jobs and took care of her two children. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued post-graduation in public administration at Indore University. During her job search, she came across the UPSC exams, which opened up a new world of possibilities for her. Finally, in 2017, she achieved her dream by clearing the UPSC exams, securing a position as a Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) in the Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh. During this time, she had a four-month-old baby to look after as she embarked on her IAS journey.
Savita Pradhan's story is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity. It's a story of a woman who rose above her challenging circumstances to achieve her dream of becoming an IAS officer.