Receiving immense support from her mother and father, Shalini Ranjan, a resident of Agra, cleared the UPPSC exams in 2020. Today, she serves as the District Minority Officer in Kasganj.
Agra. Shalini Ranjan is a resident of Nagla Arjun village in Khandauli town of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Her story of success is a testament to the proverb ‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’ Shalini lived in a modest one-room home with her family. Despite the hardships, she pursued her education in a government school. She resolved to accomplish her dreams and successfully cracked the UPPSC 2020 exam. Today, she serves as the District Minority Officer in Kasganj.
Shalini’s education
Shalini’s father Yogendra Singh works as a farmer, and her mother Urmila Devi is an Asha worker. She completed her intermediate studies at Shri Balaji Girls Inter College in Agra, followed by a BA degree in 2017 and an MA in Geography in 2019. She aspired to join the civil services but lacked the means to enrol in a reputed coaching centre. To not burden her family financially, she appeared in the entrance exam for admission into a government-supported coaching centre in Hapur, and successfully got in.
Exam preparation
When Shalini Ranjan managed to clear the entrance exams, her family grappled with the decision of whether to send her to Hapur alone for exam preparation or not. She visited the centre with her father and returned home without a clear decision. It was difficult for her family to send their daughter to a different town to live on her own. One evening, while her mother was cooking, she mentioned that staying back wouldn’t bring any changes in their lives, and that Shalini must join the centre to pursue her dreams. Encouraged by her mother’s words, she resolved to depart for Hapur alone to commence her coaching.
Enduring challenges
Shalini Ranjan gave her first attempt at UPPSC in the year 2019 but could not clear the prelims. She attended the coaching centre for 4 to 5 months. When the pandemic struck and the lockdown was announced, she had to return home, leaving her books behind in the hostel. Despite the setback, she persevered and consistently studied for 5 to 6 months using books available at home, and some online study materials.
Clearing the prelims
Shalini appeared for the exams again but was dissatisfied with her performance. She worried thinking that she would not be able to clear the prelims again. For continued preparation, she went to Allahabad with a friend despite the opposition from her family. Her mother supported her by giving her Rs 3000. Upon reaching Allahabad, she learned that the rent of a room was Rs 4000, leaving her uncertain about the future. She reminded herself of her mother’s advice and found courage in those words. A month later, after the announcement of the results, Shalini found out that she had cleared the prelims exams.
Father’s support
Shalini recalls that only 52 days were left to prepare for the mains exam. During the same time, she was even diagnosed with dengue. Despite experiencing physical weakness, she continued with her preparation and appeared for the mains exam. Upon clearing the exam and making it to the interview round, she sought support from her father, who encouraged her and boosted her confidence.
Shalini appeared for the interview but doubted her chances of selection. However, to her surprise, she achieved positive results in the interview. She successfully secured the position of District Minority Officer, bringing joy to her family.
A girl must dream big
Shalini believes that despite the challenges, focusing on the goal helps pave the way forward. She emphasizes that girls must continue to strive and prove themselves at every moment. Girls must share their dreams with their parents, expressing their desires of doing better in life. Establishing trust with the family is important as they play a pivotal role in achieving one’s dreams.
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