Sreedhanya Suresh: A Beacon of Hope for Aspirants, Breaking Barriers to Become Kerala's First Tribal Woman IAS Officer
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Service Examination (CSE) stands tall as one of India's most rigorous and competitive tests. Every year, a multitude of aspirants endeavor to conquer it, yet only a handful emerge victorious. Their pursuit? An esteemed administrative role within the Indian government. This examination, spanning three phases—prelims, mains, and an interview—leads to coveted designations like IAS, IFS, IRS, or IES officers, contingent on their ranks. Amidst these aspirants stands the inspirational success story of Sreedhanya Suresh, the first tribal woman from Kerala to clear the UPSC CSE and secure an IAS officer position.
A Journey Against Odds
Born into the Kurichiya tribe in Kerala's Wayanad district, Sreedhanya's childhood was marred by struggles and a lack of resources. Despite these adversities, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of education, attending St. Joseph’s College in Calicut for her schooling. Her academic fervor led her to delve into zoology, undertaking both undergraduate and master’s studies at Calicut University, notwithstanding the dearth of essential resources.
A Tale of Perseverance
Post her master’s, Sreedhanya found employment in the Scheduled Tribe Development Department of the state government. To supplement her income, she worked as a hostel warden for tribal students. However, her heart yearned for more. Driven by an unyielding aspiration, she resolved to prepare for the UPSC CSE.
In 2018, overcoming the prelims and mains, she faced a challenge: the interview round in Delhi. Financial constraints loomed large. It was her friends who became her pillars of support, pooling together Rs 40,000 to facilitate her journey to Delhi. With resilience and determination, she faced the interview and triumphed, clinching AIR 410 in the UPSC CSE—a historic milestone as the first tribal woman from Kerala to attain the prestigious IAS officer title.
Sreedhanya Suresh's odyssey stands testament to the power of resilience, tenacity, and unwavering determination. Her journey from humble beginnings to soaring heights echoes a narrative of triumph over adversities, inspiring countless aspirants to pursue their dreams against all odds.