My father’s dead body lying at home, I was facing UPPSC interview- performed the last rituals after returning from there

Anand Singh Rajput, one of the 251 outstanding candidates to crack the recently held UPPSC 2023 exam, found the exam much tougher than the rest. It is an inspiring story of a man who faced one of the toughest trials of his life and yet emerged victorious through his hard work, struggle, and tenacity.

Sharing his story, Anand says, ‘On 6th January he was in Delhi and was packing to go for the UP PCS interview. The interview was to be held on 8th January. He was given one last mock interview test to prepare for the interview when he received a call from home with the sad news that his father had passed away.

He left Delhi for his home in Banda but was surrounded by various questions on the way. Because his father dreamed that he should become a PCS officer, for which he was preparing away from home in Delhi. the responsibility fell upon him to perform the funeral rites for his father. However, on the same day, there was a UPPSC interview in Allahabad. He had to decide at that very moment whether he should go for an interview to fulfill his father’s dream or mourn his loss.

Finally, Anand Singh Rajput decided to go for the interview. He carried a heavy heart but faced the interview with unwavering honesty. Upon completion, he promptly returned home and, later that evening performed the last rites for his late father. Just 11 days later, on January 23, the final results of the UP PCS were announced, revealing that Anand had secured the 30th rank in the entire state. Following training, he would be appointed to the position of Deputy Jailer.

Anand’s father was a teacher in a government school. The only person who managed the house was him.  Apart from Anand, he has a mother, an elder sister, and a younger brother at home. The atmosphere at home has improved after Anand’s PCS result. There is no happiness in the house but there is satisfaction that after father there is support.

Anand said that his interview was very average. Was not able to cope with the grief of my father’s passing. ‘When I reached the interview for the first time, I was nervous. The decision to go for the interview was difficult after my father died a day before the interview’. But since it was his father’s wish that he should do this job, after his passing his wish had to be fulfilled. Therefore Anand moved ahead with courage.

Sweta Dagar is an avid reader and writer. She hails from Bulandshahr (U.P) where she completed her formap education. She loves exploring varieties of topics that shape the public opinion at large. If you have any queries, feel free to contact her at [email protected].