Girl from Naxal-hit area secures 99th rank in UPSC exam
What's the story
The success story of Namrata Jain cracking UPSC'16 may not garner much limelight but is unusual and inspirational. She secured 99th rank, despite hailing from one of the worst Naxalite-affected areas -Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district (Bastar division), which is also notoriously synonymous with the "Red Corridor". Let's know more about her journey to success, which is phenomenal in every sense.
Success
Second attempt for the coveted exams
Namrata, an alumnus of KPS Bhilai School and Bhilai Institute of Technology, cracked the UPSC exam in her second attempt. She was mentored by a group of IAS and IPS officers under Dantewada district administration, including the district collector. Namrata, who secured a rank below 100, attributed her success to her teachers who guided and helped her build confidence.
Bastar
District officials want more civil aspirants from Bastar
District Collector Saurabh Kumar, proud of Namrata's achievement, said they wanted more people from Bastar to aspire for civil services. The district officials have been running a coaching academy called 'Lakshya' for the last three years to train civil service aspirants from the Naxal-infested area. Mr. Kumar wished someday, a person from Bastar would even become the district collector.
Information
Zilla Panchayat CEO played an instrumental role too
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Gaurav Singh, also contributed to Namrata's success along with the district collector. He said she had been preparing with an institution in Delhi before heading back home to Dantewada "in pursuit of guidance" from the officers there.
Post-mains period
Mock interviews helped Namrata understand more about Dantewada
Post mains, Namrata's mentors formed a board to conduct mock interview sessions and helped her in presenting herself better. According to Saurabh, it was during this period that Namrata understood more about Dantewada and its shortcomings. The interview sessions helped her in drawing attention to several issues pertaining to the region, prompting her to think more like a leader.
Administrative services
Namrata's first preference, the administrative services department
Namrata said she had the opportunity to work for corporates after college but was "adamant about taking up civil services." She said she would ideally work in Naxal-affected areas where she had personally witnessed "bloodbath and gore". She wants to eradicate the violence and work towards developmental initiatives. She wants to "bring better changes" to the downtrodden society.
Quote
District Collector Saurabh Kumar's statement
"Individuals like Namrata are the beacons of hope for people in Chhattisgarh, a state that has probably seen more than a fair share of massacres in the current times. Given the right guidance and support, every child has the potential, despite the adversity."